International Media Reacts to Mexico Grand Prix: Norris Dominates, Lawson Avoids Tragedy, and Piastri Conspiracies Emerge

Lando Norris secured a dominant victory at the Mexico City Grand Prix, winning by an impressive 30 seconds over Charles Leclerc at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. This win propelled Norris into the F1 drivers' championship lead, just a single point ahead of his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri. While Norris celebrated his flawless performance, the race was also marked by a terrifying near-miss involving Liam Lawson and persistent rumors surrounding Piastri's recent dip in form.

Why it matters:

This Grand Prix delivered a mix of on-track brilliance and alarming safety concerns, shifting the championship dynamics and sparking intense media discussion globally. Norris's decisive win showcases McLaren's formidable pace, while the marshal incident highlights critical safety protocol failures that demand immediate attention from the FIA.

The Details:

• Norris's Championship Surge: Lando Norris's victory was his 10th Grand Prix win, and he now leads the F1 drivers' championship by a single point over Oscar Piastri, with Max Verstappen 35 points further back. His 30-second margin of victory was his largest ever.
• Lawson's Near-Miss: On lap three, Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson, exiting the pit lane, encountered two marshals on track at Turn 1. Lawson expressed his shock, stating he could have "killed" them. The FIA later released a statement explaining that an instruction for marshals to work on track was rescinded when Lawson pitted, but the marshals at that specific corner did not receive the updated message. Further reviews are pending.
• Leclerc's Podium Save: Charles Leclerc secured a podium finish, with Italian media highlighting that a late Virtual Safety Car, triggered by Carlos Sainz, likely saved him from being overtaken by Max Verstappen. Leclerc admitted he was "very happy to see the [virtual] safety car coming out in the last two laps" as his medium tires were struggling.
• Verstappen's "Another Planet" Comment: Both Max Verstappen and Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur commented on McLaren's exceptional performance in Mexico, with Verstappen describing them as being on "another planet."
• Booing of Norris: Spanish media, particularly El País, focused on the hostility directed at Lando Norris after qualifying and the race. This jeering is reportedly rooted in perceived unequal treatment within McLaren, specifically a switch at Monza, and Norris's past criticisms of Mexican idol Sergio Pérez.
• Piastri's Struggles and Sabotage Theories: Australian media addressed unfounded accusations of sabotage within McLaren regarding Oscar Piastri's recent dip in performance. McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella definitively stated that car data showed no issues. Piastri's struggles are attributed to difficulties on low-grip surfaces, requiring him to adapt his driving style as he struggles to find pace by sliding the car.

The Big Picture:

This race significantly reshuffled the championship narrative, putting Norris at the forefront and solidifying McLaren's status as a top contender. The marshal incident, however, casts a long shadow, exposing serious lapses in track safety that could have had tragic consequences. Meanwhile, the political undertones of fan reactions and team dynamics add another layer of complexity to the season.

What's next:

• The FIA's investigation into the marshal incident will be crucial for reviewing and implementing stricter safety protocols. The outcome will likely influence future marshal training and communication procedures.
• Red Bull's decision regarding their 2026 driver lineup, particularly for the Racing Bulls team, has been delayed, keeping Liam Lawson, Yuki Tsunoda, Isack Hadjar, and Arvid Lindblad in suspense. This decision will shape the careers of these young talents.
• All eyes will be on Oscar Piastri to see if he can adapt his driving style to overcome his challenges on low-grip circuits and regain his early-season form, particularly as his teammate Norris leads the championship.
• The championship battle between Norris, Piastri, and Verstappen is poised for a thrilling conclusion, with each race now critical for momentum and points.