F1: Norris triumphs in Mexico GP, takes World Championship lead, Bortoleto finishes 10th Por Carolina Costa
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Lando Norris won the Mexico Grand Prix Formula 1 race on Sunday, October 26, at the Hermanos Rodríguez Circuit, reclaiming the lead in the Drivers’ World Championship. The race, marked by intense battles and penalties, saw Charles Leclerc in second and Max Verstappen in third. Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto, from Sauber, finished 10th, earning one point. The event featured incidents like collisions at the start and a penalty for Lewis Hamilton.
The race began with chaos as Hamilton and Leclerc collided in Turn 1, prompting complaints from both. Verstappen, starting fifth, also went off track but recovered quickly. Norris maintained a comfortable lead, capitalizing on McLaren’s strong performance. The next race is the São Paulo GP on November 9 at Interlagos.
- Chaotic start involved collisions between Hamilton, Leclerc, and Verstappen.
- Norris led from start to finish, unchallenged.
- Bortoleto gained six positions, securing a point for Sauber.
- Hamilton received a 10-second penalty for an incident with Verstappen.
Norris’s dominant performance
Norris controlled the race from the start, maintaining a significant lead. His one-stop strategy was enough to secure the victory.
The McLaren driver overcame early pressure from Leclerc and Hamilton, reclaiming the championship lead after 16 races as runner-up. The car’s consistency was key to the result.
Intense battles for the podium
Leclerc and Verstappen engaged in a fierce fight for second place. The Dutchman, starting fifth, closed a 12-second gap to the Monegasque in 19 laps.
The battle was halted by a yellow flag on the final lap, caused by Carlos Sainz’s crash. Verstappen, despite a strong pace, couldn’t overtake Leclerc.
The virtual safety car stabilized the podium positions. Leclerc held second, while Verstappen completed the top three.
Hamilton’s penalty and controversy
On lap six, Hamilton and Verstappen collided in Turn 4, resulting in a 10-second penalty for the Briton. The race direction deemed Hamilton failed to follow track re-entry instructions.
The seven-time champion, starting third, dropped to 14th after serving the penalty. He recovered to finish eighth.
Ferrari, Hamilton’s team, contested the decision, but the penalty stood. The incident sparked debates among fans on social media.
The race highlighted the season’s competitiveness, with Norris, Verstappen, and Leclerc separated by few points in the championship.
Brazilian highlight in the race
Gabriel Bortoleto, starting 16th, delivered a consistent performance to finish 10th, earning a point for Sauber. The Brazilian gained positions at the start and capitalized on rivals’ pit stops. His overtake on Isack Hadjar on lap 63 was decisive. With teammate Nico Hulkenberg’s retirement, Bortoleto secured Sauber’s only point in the race.
Next steps in the season
Formula 1 heads to the São Paulo GP, the 21st round of the season, on November 9. The Interlagos circuit promises more battles, with Norris aiming to solidify his lead.
The 2025 season, with 24 races, is among the most competitive in recent years. McLaren leads the Constructors’ Championship, closely followed by Ferrari and Red Bull.
Preparation for Interlagos
The São Paulo GP will be crucial for Norris’s championship aspirations. The Brazilian circuit is known for unpredictable races, often with rain.
McLaren plans to maintain its aggressive strategy, while Ferrari and Red Bull aim to close the gap. Bortoleto, racing at home, could surprise again.
