Lewis Hamilton is again close to winning his first GP this season, but not close enough. The Mercedes-AMG Petronas driver finished P2 in the Mexican Grand Prix, with teammate George Russell finishing fourth.
The two started in P3 (for Lewis) and P2 (George). With alternative tire strategy, the former stayed out to complete a much longer stint and was in the lead until lap 34. It was then that Max Verstappen charged to take his position back. The gap between Lewis and Max kept growing, as Lewis complained that the hard tires were not performing well enough. The British though, managed to keep Sergio Perez at bay.
Having started from pole, Max Verstappen won a record-breaking 14th race of the season. He was 15 seconds ahead of the seven-time world champion. The 25-year old has just passed Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel for the most in a single season in Formula 1 history. Home favorite Sergio Perez finished third. George Russell was fourth and secured an extra point for the fastest lap in Mexico.
Ferrari fell back, as Carlos Sainz crossed the finish line almost one minute behind Max Verstappen, 10 seconds ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc.
“Mega job everyone! Great job with the pit stop, thanks for continuing push, they were just too quick for us today. We just keep pushing, man. It’s getting closer,” said Lewis Hamilton after the Mexican Grand Prix.
The result moves Hamilton ahead of Carlos Sainz in the Driver’s ranking. His is currently fifth with 216 points, trailing Russel, with 231.
Two races are left in the season, with the Brazilian Grand Prix taking place in two weeks’ time. “I’m intrigued to see how Brazil goes, although I don’t think we will be quite as competitive as in Mexico,” says George Russell.
The season finale is set to take place in Abu Dhabi.
PHOTO GALLERY:
