Norris, Leclerc, and Verstappen Reflect on Mexico GP's Chaotic Start

The opening moments of the Mexico City Grand Prix were a whirlwind of action, with Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, and Max Verstappen all finding themselves in a thrilling four-wide battle into Turn 1. This dramatic start, a perennial feature of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez's long run to the first corner, set the tone for an eventful race.

Why it matters:

The Mexico City Grand Prix is notorious for its chaotic starts due to the longest run to Turn 1 on the F1 calendar. This year's opening lap highlighted the high stakes and razor-thin margins drivers navigate, directly influencing race outcomes and sparking debate among competitors and fans alike.

The Details:

• Four-Wide into Turn 1: Norris, Leclerc, Verstappen, and Lewis Hamilton all entered the first corner simultaneously. Leclerc and Verstappen were forced to take evasive action, cutting across the grass, while Norris managed to stay on track.
• Norris's Perspective: "I don't know. I've not seen the replay or anything. I didn't know we were four-wide," Norris stated in the post-race press conference. He described his experience as going in first and coming out third, emphasizing the consistent unpredictability of Mexico's Turn 1.
• Leclerc's Take: "I didn't enjoy that at all," Leclerc remarked on the Turn 1 melee. He found himself between Hamilton and Verstappen, having to "pray" for enough space. He reported a slight touch with Hamilton and poor grip on the outside, which necessitated cutting the corner, thankfully without serious consequences.
• Verstappen's "Rallying": Verstappen had a strong start but was forced to move further and further left due to the cars around him. This led to him bottoming out on the kerb and experiencing "a bit of rallying in between Turns 1 and 2." Despite the hectic start, he quickly realized the lack of grip, which hampered his initial pace.
• Controversial Penalty: Hamilton received a time penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage later in the race, a decision he labeled "pretty nuts," especially since Leclerc, who also cut the corner at the start, was not penalized.

The Big Picture:

The chaotic Turn 1 is a recurring theme at the Mexico City Grand Prix, often leading to immediate shake-ups in the race order and providing significant talking points. This year's incident was no different, showcasing both the aggressive driving at the front and the fine line between a calculated move and an incident. The varied experiences of Norris, Leclerc, and Verstappen—from managing the chaos to being forced off track—underscore the unique challenges of this circuit's opening lap.

What's next:

While the immediate aftermath involves driver reflections and potentially stewarding reviews, the Mexico GP's dramatic start serves as a potent reminder of the high-octane nature of F1. Future races at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez will undoubtedly continue to feature this thrilling and often unpredictable opening sequence, always keeping fans on the edge of their seats.