F1 Mexico GP: Key Takeaways and Championship Shifts

Lando Norris has reclaimed the championship lead for the first time since April, delivering a flawless performance at the Mexico Grand Prix to secure a crucial victory. His return to the top step of the podium marks a significant shift in the title race, especially as teammate Oscar Piastri's form has faltered and Red Bull's dominance shows cracks.

Why it matters:

• Norris's resurgence puts him firmly in contention for the championship, transforming the title fight into an unpredictable four-race sprint. This could redefine McLaren's season and solidify Norris's status as a top-tier driver.
• The unexpected performance dips from Piastri and Red Bull's Max Verstappen indicate a more open and competitive F1 landscape than previously anticipated.

The Details:

• Norris's Ascent: After trailing Piastri by 34 points post-Zandvoort, Norris has meticulously closed the gap, culminating in a dominant Mexican Grand Prix victory, his first since Hungary before the summer break. He now leads the championship, signaling a strong claim as the new favorite.
• Piastri's Struggles: Oscar Piastri has endured consecutive difficult weekends, including Austin and Mexico, where he struggled to match Norris's pace. His once-commanding points lead has evaporated, raising concerns about his ability to handle championship pressure.
  • McLaren team principal Andrea Stella initially dismissed suggestions of pressure affecting Piastri, but his recent performances suggest otherwise, leaving him unable to pinpoint the cause of his sudden drop in pace.
• Red Bull's Vulnerability: While Max Verstappen remains a formidable force, the Mexico GP highlighted that Red Bull's car is not as dominant as recent races suggested. Verstappen was out-qualified by Norris, both Ferraris, and George Russell, and was even overtaken by Oliver Bearman's Haas early in the race.
  • Despite an aggressive strategy leading to a podium finish, Verstappen couldn't challenge Norris for the win, suggesting that the Red Bull isn't invincible, making the championship's conclusion highly unpredictable.
• Bearman's Breakthrough: Oliver Bearman, in his first full F1 season, demonstrated exceptional racecraft and raw speed. His performance, particularly muscling past Max Verstappen, underscored his potential and confirmed why Haas and Ferrari are closely monitoring him.
• Ferrari's Late Surge: Ferrari finally seems to have found their stride as the season nears its end. Charles Leclerc secured a second consecutive podium in Mexico, holding off Verstappen, confirming the team's improved form seen in Austin. This late-season surge positions Ferrari as a more consistent threat.

What's next:

• The coming four race weekends will test Norris's ability to handle his new championship-favorite status.
• Piastri will need to quickly regain his understanding of the car and his pace to remain a title contender.
• Verstappen and Red Bull will be looking to reassert their dominance, but the competitive field suggests a tighter race than ever for the remaining Grands Prix.
• Ferrari's late-season form will be crucial for their constructors' championship standing and momentum heading into the next season.