Mark Hughes: How an Unlikely Verstappen Podium Unfolded in Mexico

Lando Norris dominated the Mexican Grand Prix after a perfect start, but a chaotic opening lap involving Max Verstappen and the Ferraris, followed by strategic battles and penalties, created an unexpected path to the podium for the Red Bull driver. Ferrari's 'lift-and-coast' tactics and McLaren's aggressive two-stop strategy for Oscar Piastri further shaped the race.

Why it matters:

While Norris secured a commanding victory, the intricate web of incidents and strategic plays in Mexico highlights how quickly an F1 race can turn, offering unexpected opportunities for drivers like Verstappen. It also underscores the crucial role of in-race management, penalties, and tire strategy in determining podium finishes, even when one car shows clear superiority.

The Details:

• Norris's Perfect Start: Lando Norris, starting from pole, made a clean getaway, expertly blocking Lewis Hamilton's slipstream and controlling the approach to Turn 1 and Turn 2, setting the stage for his dominant lead.
• Chaotic Opening Lap: The initial moments of the race were fraught with incidents:
  • Hamilton was 'boxed-in' by Norris's defensive move and Charles Leclerc pulling across.
  • The two Ferraris touched as Max Verstappen, on the kerb, scraped his Red Bull's belly and ran off into the escape area.
  • Leclerc swerved onto the grass runoff to avoid hitting Norris, rejoining alongside Verstappen in the leading positions.
• Position Swaps and Penalties: Following the Turn 1 shenanigans, Verstappen allowed Norris ahead, and Leclerc eventually yielded to Norris. Verstappen then let Hamilton pass. However, Leclerc did not return second place to Hamilton, leading to a radio exchange.
• Hamilton's Penalty: Hamilton's frustration with Leclerc and a subsequent aggressive move against Verstappen at Turn 4 led him to cut the escape road, rejoining ahead but not following the prescribed route. This earned him a 10-second penalty at his pitstop, dropping him five positions.
• Ferrari's 'Lift-and-Coast': Hamilton's mind was preoccupied by Leclerc's refusal to concede position, further compounded when Ferrari instructed him to increase his 'lift-and-coast' by 100 meters to manage plank wear. This information was relayed to Verstappen, who capitalized on it.
• Verstappen's Gripless First Stint: Verstappen, starting on mediums when others were on softs, struggled with a lack of grip initially. He prolonged his first stint to minimize the length of his second stint on softs.
• Bearman's Impressive Drive: Oliver Bearman, starting ninth for Haas, moved up to sixth by Turn 1 and ran as high as fourth, showcasing strong pace and composure against more established drivers like George Russell and Verstappen.

Between the lines:

Ferrari's 'lift-and-coast' strategy, while necessary for car preservation, played directly into Verstappen's hands by effectively creating an opportunity for him to gain ground on Hamilton. The early chaos at Turn 1, often seen in Mexico, set the tone for a race where positions were constantly in flux, highlighting the razor-thin margins and immediate consequences of every move. Norris's pre-race jab about 'lift-and-coast' expertise proved prophetic for his competitors.

What's next:

Norris, now leading the world championship, will carry significant momentum from his dominant performance. The VSC at the end, triggered by Carlos Sainz, prevented further charges from Verstappen and Piastri, leaving some 'what ifs' regarding their final positions. While Norris's victory was decisive, the strategic complexities and penalties demonstrate how the title fight can be influenced by unexpected events and the tactical decisions made under pressure.