Verstappen Remains Tight-Lipped on Mexico City GP Expectations

Max Verstappen is keeping his cards close to his chest regarding the upcoming Mexico City Grand Prix, simply stating, "The beauty of it is we'll find out next week." Meanwhile, Lando Norris anticipates a tight battle, similar to recent races, with McLaren and Red Bull at the forefront.

Why it matters:

With the Formula 1 season quickly approaching its climax, every race holds immense significance for team and driver standings. While Verstappen's dominance has been a consistent theme, the recent competitiveness of McLaren, particularly Norris, suggests that the remaining races, including Mexico City, could offer unpredictable and thrilling contests. The high-altitude challenge of Mexico also frequently mixes up the pecking order, adding an extra layer of anticipation.

The details:

• Verstappen's Approach: The reigning world champion, fresh off a dominant victory in Austin, is notably reserved about his predictions for Mexico. He explicitly stated, "I don't really think about it. We'll find out next week. We could speculate, but I don't like that," indicating a focus on execution rather than pre-race conjecture.
• Norris's Outlook: In contrast, Lando Norris shared more of his expectations, foreseeing a close contest mirroring recent events. He commented, "Probably the same as here. I don’t think it’ll change that much. It’s close between us and Red Bull — one weekend they're a little bit quicker, the next we’re a little bit faster."
• Competitive Field: Norris also acknowledged the potential for other teams to emerge as strong contenders, referencing Mercedes' strong performance in Singapore as an example of how the competitive landscape can shift unexpectedly.

The big picture:

The F1 season is heating up as it enters its final stages, with the Mexico City Grand Prix presenting unique challenges. The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez's high altitude significantly impacts engine performance and aerodynamic grip, often leading to unexpected results and intense strategic battles. While Red Bull has historically performed well in Mexico, McLaren's recent resurgence, combined with Mercedes' flashes of pace, sets the stage for a compelling three-way fight.

What's next:

All eyes will be on the Mexico City Grand Prix to see if McLaren can maintain its impressive form and challenge Red Bull at a circuit that has traditionally favored the Milton Keynes squad. Verstappen's 'wait and see' approach suggests he is confident in his team's preparation, while Norris's expectations point to another thrilling head-to-head battle. The unique characteristics of the circuit could also provide an opportunity for other teams to spring a surprise.