Leclerc Relieved by VSC Halting Verstappen's Mexico GP Charge

Charles Leclerc expressed significant relief after a late-race Virtual Safety Car (VSC) during the Mexico Grand Prix effectively neutralized Max Verstappen's fierce pursuit of second place. The Ferrari driver admitted the VSC, triggered on the penultimate lap, was a welcome sight as his tires were completely gone, and Verstappen, on fresher soft tires, was rapidly closing in.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's improved performance in recent races, culminating in another podium finish, signals a potential resurgence for the Scuderia. Leclerc's ability to hold off Verstappen, even with a timely VSC, highlights Ferrari's step forward. This result is crucial for team morale and championship standings, especially as they battle rivals like Mercedes and McLaren for P2 in the constructors' championship.

The Details:

• Podium Surprise: Leclerc described his second-place finish in Mexico as a 'great surprise,' following a strong showing in Austin. This back-to-back podium performance suggests a positive trend for Ferrari's recent upgrades.
• Tire Management: After a strong initial phase of the race, Leclerc's tires degraded significantly, making him vulnerable to Verstappen's charge on soft tires. This underscores the ongoing challenge of tire management in high-altitude conditions.
• VSC Intervention: The VSC was caused by Carlos Sainz's Williams stopping in the stadium section, occurring at a critical moment for Leclerc. He openly stated, "My tyres were completely gone. I could see Max was coming back on the softs. It was tough, but the VSC saved me at the end."
• Verstappen's Take: Max Verstappen acknowledged the unpredictable nature of safety cars, stating, "You win some and you lose some. Sometimes the safety car works for you and sometimes it works against you." This reflected his frustration at having his attack on Leclerc stifled.
• Team Performance: Leclerc secured 18 points for Ferrari, while his teammate, Lewis Hamilton, finished eighth after a 10-second penalty, adding only four points to the team's tally. This disparity highlights the pressure on Leclerc to deliver consistent results for the team.

What's next:

The focus for Ferrari will be on understanding the underlying performance gains and ensuring they can replicate this form consistently. While the VSC played a role in securing Leclerc's podium, the team's ability to put him in that position in the first place is a positive sign. The battle for second in the constructors' championship remains tight, and every point is vital as the season draws to a close. Ferrari will be looking to carry this momentum into the remaining races, aiming to consolidate their improved standing against their fierce rivals.