The 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix was a race to remember, with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. clinching a thrilling victory after a tense battle at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. Starting from pole, Sainz’s win was not straightforward, as he faced tough competition and dramatic moments that kept fans on edge until the very end.
Sainz’s Commanding Win (P1)
Carlos Sainz secured his fourth victory of the season in Mexico, finishing with a time of 1:40:55.800. Despite an early overtake by Max Verstappen, Sainz reclaimed the lead on Lap 9, leveraging Ferrari’s race pace and strategic tyre management. His consistent speed and ability to stay out of trouble allowed him to maintain a safe lead as he crossed the finish line, a satisfying win for him and Ferrari, who are pushing to close the gap in the Constructors’ Championship.
Norris Shines with Precision (P2)
McLaren’s Lando Norris, starting behind Sainz, proved to be a persistent contender. He closed the gap toward the race’s end, clocking in just 4.705 seconds behind Sainz. Norris’s pursuit saw him fend off Verstappen early on and later pass Charles Leclerc, showcasing his skill and adaptability. Although he couldn’t catch Sainz in the final laps, Norris’s second-place finish further solidified McLaren’s standing in the championship.
Leclerc Completes the Ferrari Podium (P3)
Charles Leclerc rounded out the podium for Ferrari, finishing third with a gap of 34.387 seconds. He held second place for most of the race but ultimately lost ground to Norris after a wide moment. Still, Leclerc’s performance contributed to Ferrari’s double podium, a significant achievement in their battle against McLaren and Mercedes.
Mexico Midfield Drama and Key Incidents
The race wasn’t without drama, as Verstappen, while battling Norris, incurred two 10-second penalties due to on-track incidents, pushing him down to a sixth-place finish. Meanwhile, Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and George Russell engaged in a close intra-team battle, with Hamilton ultimately finishing fourth and Russell in fifth. Haas’s Kevin Magnussen and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri also enjoyed strong races, finishing seventh and eighth, respectively, while Nico Hulkenberg and Pierre Gasly claimed the last two points positions.
This race exemplified the unpredictable nature of Formula 1, with team strategy, penalties, and skilful driving all playing crucial roles. For those looking to relive the action or place bets on future races, Easybet—the top choice for sports betting in South Africa—offers competitive odds and a seamless platform to elevate your race-day experience.
As the season heads into its final stretch, Ferrari’s performance in Mexico keeps fans excited about their potential, while McLaren’s resurgence makes for a thrilling showdown in the Constructors’ battle. The stakes are high, and with every lap, the drama only intensifies. Prepare for even more heart-stopping moments in the upcoming races!
