Verstappen holds off Hamilton in tense Mexico win as Antonelli clinches title

Max Verstappen survived a tense late chase from Lewis Hamilton to win the Mexico City Grand Prix, taking his third victory of the season and 74th of his career. The Red Bull driver started fifth after a one-place grid penalty but was second by the end of a chaotic opening lap, then controlled the race through a red flag, a standing restart and a late safety car. His sixth Mexico win came after 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Why it matters:

The result was decided by Verstappen’s first-lap aggression, Red Bull’s timing and his defence under pressure. Hamilton’s Ferrari stayed close enough to keep the outcome alive, but Verstappen held the inside line and made no decisive error.

The details:

• Verstappen passed Hamilton early after the Turn 4 clash involving Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. A five-second penalty for Leclerc helped Verstappen move into the lead when the Ferrari served it.
• The race was red-flagged for Valtteri Bottas’s crash. On the standing restart, Verstappen covered Turns 1/2/3 against Hamilton, then managed a late safety car for Arvid Lindblad’s crash with Oscar Piastri.
• “It was very hectic out there, but I think the first start made the race for me,” Verstappen said. “I was sweating at the end to try and keep Lewis behind.”
• He also praised Kimi Antonelli, who clinched the title with third place and became the 36th F1 champion. “What a season he’s had... at such an age is really impressive.”

What’s next:

Verstappen’s third win of 2026 sharpens the final stretch, while Antonelli’s title adds a generational story to the closing races.