Winners and Losers from the F1 Mexico GP

The 2025 Mexico Grand Prix, marking a decade of modern F1 racing in the country, delivered a dominant win for Lando Norris, who now leads the championship. While the battle for the top spot was largely absent, the intense dicing in the midfield and the significant title implications of Norris's sixth win of the season provided plenty of drama.

Why it matters:

Lando Norris's resurgence and championship lead after a challenging period underscore the volatility of the F1 season. His dominant performance in Mexico, coupled with Oscar Piastri's recent struggles, has reshaped the title fight, while Max Verstappen's strong recovery signals that the championship is far from decided. The race also highlighted impressive performances from unexpected quarters, adding depth to the narrative.

The Details:

• Lando Norris's Dominance: Following a critical retirement in Zandvoort, Norris has taken over as McLaren's in-form driver. After receiving some aid from Piastri in Baku, and with his Australian teammate facing two more difficult weekends, Norris emphatically reclaimed the world championship lead with a scintillating pole position and a commanding win by half a minute.
• Oscar Piastri's Struggles: Piastri had another challenging weekend, struggling with low-grip conditions that didn't suit his natural driving style, leading to an eighth-place qualifying spot (seventh on the grid). Despite a dogged Sunday performance, switching to a two-stopper salvaged a fifth-place finish, but he lost the championship lead for the first time in six months. His performance in Brazil will be crucial.
• Max Verstappen's Recovery: Starting fifth due to significant car handling issues, Verstappen executed an aggressive start and a bold overtake on Lewis Hamilton. A long first stint on mediums initially saw him lose ground, but a timely second pitstop for rivals allowed him to gain positions. He almost caught Charles Leclerc for second, only to be thwarted by a late virtual safety car. He finished closer to the championship lead than he started.
• George Russell's Frustration: Russell, starting fourth with podium aspirations, finished seventh. He lost a position to Verstappen at the start and was later blocked by Verstappen in Turn 4, allowing Oliver Bearman and Andrea Kimi Antonelli to pass. Frustration mounted as he struggled to get past Antonelli, highlighting the difficulty of overtaking and a missed podium opportunity.
• Oliver Bearman's Standout Performance: The Haas rookie, after a missed FP1 session, qualified in the top 10 and drove the race of his life. Benefiting from first-lap incidents and a bold overtake on Verstappen, Bearman delivered two impeccable stints, securing his best-ever result in fourth. His performance, combined with Esteban Ocon's ninth-place finish, helped Haas climb to eighth in the championship.
• Williams' Horror Show: Both Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz had a disastrous race. Albon's decision to start on hard tires proved uninspired, and he lacked the flexibility to recover. Sainz's race unraveled after a first-lap hit, leading to a flat spot, damaged wheel speed sensors, pitlane speed limit breaches, and ultimately retirement, despite showing flashes of pace.

The Big Picture:

The Mexico GP provided a significant twist in the F1 championship narrative. Lando Norris's commanding victory not only propelled him back into the lead but also highlighted the fluctuating fortunes within McLaren and across the grid. Piastri's stumble and Verstappen's resilient recovery underscore the intense and unpredictable nature of the title fight. Meanwhile, a stellar performance from rookie Oliver Bearman offered a glimpse into future talent, while Williams' struggles served as a stark reminder of the challenges lower-tier teams face.

What's next:

The F1 circus heads to Brazil, a critical race for Piastri to regain momentum and for Verstappen to continue closing the gap. Norris will aim to consolidate his championship lead, while teams like Mercedes and Ferrari will look to capitalize on any opportunities. The performance dynamics seen in Mexico, particularly regarding tire strategy and driver adaptability to tricky conditions, will be closely watched as the season progresses towards its climax.