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Carlos Sainz: The penalty won't change my approach
After an emotional meeting with fans before the start of the weekend, on Thursday Carlos Sainz was in a good mood…
Carlos Sainz: "A five-place grid penalty won't change my approach to the weekend. It's important to start as high up as possible to give myself the best chance in the race.
I'm really hoping for a clean weekend. Yes, I managed to fight through the pack in Singapore after starting from 19th. I hope to start higher up here. In Mexico we should be competitive, as in Vegas. I hope we can score points both here and there.
Last year I won in Mexico, driving for Ferrari. This year the Scuderia hasn't been winning; it's been a difficult season for them, but I have no doubt they'll be winning races again soon. For me that win was one of the last opportunities to win a race before moving to Williams.
After an emotional meeting with fans before the start of the weekend, on Thursday Carlos Sainz was in a good mood…
Carlos Sainz: "A five-place grid penalty won't change my approach to the weekend. It's important to start as high up as possible to give myself the best chance in the race.
I'm really hoping for a clean weekend. Yes, I managed to fight through the pack in Singapore after starting from 19th. I hope to start higher up here. In Mexico we should be competitive, as in Vegas. I hope we can score points both here and there.
Last year I won in Mexico, driving for Ferrari. This year the Scuderia hasn't been winning; it's been a difficult season for them, but I have no doubt they'll be winning races again soon. For me that win was one of the last opportunities to win a race before moving to Williams.
Kimi Antonelli: Carlos and I have different opinions.
In Austin a collision occurred between Carlos Sainz and Kimi Antonelli, as a result of which the Williams driver was penalized. In Mexico, at the FIA press conference, Kimi said that he and Carlos have different opinions about what happened.
Kimi Antonelli: "It's unfortunate that this happened, because we both had good positions, but the contact between the cars effectively ended the race for both of us. You know, Carlos has his own take on the collision, and mine is different. What's done is done — now we move on.
In Austin, despite the difficult circuit, I picked up speed fairly quickly, but I wasn't able to put everything together in the final stage of qualifying. On the first lap I hit a kerb, and because of that the DRS didn't open when I pressed the button.
As a result I lost a few positions at the start, so it was a bit frustrating.
In Austin a collision occurred between Carlos Sainz and Kimi Antonelli, as a result of which the Williams driver was penalized. In Mexico, at the FIA press conference, Kimi said that he and Carlos have different opinions about what happened.
Kimi Antonelli: "It's unfortunate that this happened, because we both had good positions, but the contact between the cars effectively ended the race for both of us. You know, Carlos has his own take on the collision, and mine is different. What's done is done — now we move on.
In Austin, despite the difficult circuit, I picked up speed fairly quickly, but I wasn't able to put everything together in the final stage of qualifying. On the first lap I hit a kerb, and because of that the DRS didn't open when I pressed the button.
As a result I lost a few positions at the start, so it was a bit frustrating.
Fernando Alonso: It won't be any easier for us in Mexico
Fernando Alonso said the 2025 season is not worthy of being remembered; the Spanish Aston Martin driver was not particularly optimistic about his team's prospects at the Mexico round.
Fernando Alonso: "I want to say that we are very critical of our work. For almost the entire 2025 season we've been performing poorly and we don't hide that we are not fast enough — that's a fact. But at the same time, every weekend we make every possible effort, using the machinery available to us.
We try to achieve some results, and in Austin that was 10th place — so we scored one point. Sometimes we manage to pick up a couple of points, but I don't think there's anything to be happy about. The season is proving difficult, and the rest of it will be the same.
It won't be any easier for us in Mexico.
Fernando Alonso said the 2025 season is not worthy of being remembered; the Spanish Aston Martin driver was not particularly optimistic about his team's prospects at the Mexico round.
Fernando Alonso: "I want to say that we are very critical of our work. For almost the entire 2025 season we've been performing poorly and we don't hide that we are not fast enough — that's a fact. But at the same time, every weekend we make every possible effort, using the machinery available to us.
We try to achieve some results, and in Austin that was 10th place — so we scored one point. Sometimes we manage to pick up a couple of points, but I don't think there's anything to be happy about. The season is proving difficult, and the rest of it will be the same.
It won't be any easier for us in Mexico.
Two teams are suspected of violating the regulations.
Two Formula 1 teams are suspected of breaching the financial regulations and possibly exceeding the permissible spending in 2024.
Under the regulations, last season each team could spend no more than $135 million, but accounting for inflation and other factors that amount rose to nearly $165 million. All teams submit financial reports to the FIA, following which the federation issues certificates stating that the expenditures are within the permitted limits.
Usually these certificates are issued in September, but this year that did not happen. The last time there was a delay in issuing the certificates was in 2021, when Red Bull exceeded the permissible budget by 1.6% and were fined $7 million for it. In addition, the team had their wind-tunnel time reduced.
Two Formula 1 teams are suspected of breaching the financial regulations and possibly exceeding the permissible spending in 2024.
Under the regulations, last season each team could spend no more than $135 million, but accounting for inflation and other factors that amount rose to nearly $165 million. All teams submit financial reports to the FIA, following which the federation issues certificates stating that the expenditures are within the permitted limits.
Usually these certificates are issued in September, but this year that did not happen. The last time there was a delay in issuing the certificates was in 2021, when Red Bull exceeded the permissible budget by 1.6% and were fined $7 million for it. In addition, the team had their wind-tunnel time reduced.
Max Verstappen, speaking to the press in Mexico, in his usual manner said that he would not be upset if he did not win the title this year, although he has been world champion for the previous four years and knows what it takes.
Max Verstappen: "I want to say that in the worst case I'll finish third, which is where I am now, so nothing would change for me. I just want to try to keep winning the races that remain this season.
I hope that every weekend I'll have the opportunity to fight for victory, although that's not certain yet. But we've had a decent run of performances, and our whole team understands that we must be perfect until the end of the season to have a chance at the title. And if we manage it — well, great! It would be an incredible story about how we came back.
If not — then we just have to keep working. I suppose we can be proud of how we're finishing this season and of the sharp improvement we've achieved, but it's better to put all the worries about this off until Abu Dhabi.
Of course, we want to win, we want to win this championship. Naturally, I've won championships before; I've managed to clinch the title both at the very end of a season and early. This season, of course, has unfolded completely differently, because, to be honest, for a large part of it our situation was much worse. And it's very surprising that I'm still a title contender, but I accept it.
As I said, to win we have to be perfect in everything, and if I'm feeling pressure now, it's positive pressure. I love what I do. When you have a competitive car at your disposal, racing in it is much better than when the car lacks pace."
Max Verstappen: "I want to say that in the worst case I'll finish third, which is where I am now, so nothing would change for me. I just want to try to keep winning the races that remain this season.
I hope that every weekend I'll have the opportunity to fight for victory, although that's not certain yet. But we've had a decent run of performances, and our whole team understands that we must be perfect until the end of the season to have a chance at the title. And if we manage it — well, great! It would be an incredible story about how we came back.
If not — then we just have to keep working. I suppose we can be proud of how we're finishing this season and of the sharp improvement we've achieved, but it's better to put all the worries about this off until Abu Dhabi.
Of course, we want to win, we want to win this championship. Naturally, I've won championships before; I've managed to clinch the title both at the very end of a season and early. This season, of course, has unfolded completely differently, because, to be honest, for a large part of it our situation was much worse. And it's very surprising that I'm still a title contender, but I accept it.
As I said, to win we have to be perfect in everything, and if I'm feeling pressure now, it's positive pressure. I love what I do. When you have a competitive car at your disposal, racing in it is much better than when the car lacks pace."
After the team's decent results in Austin, Lewis Hamilton is feeling positive...
Lewis Hamilton: "We're still trying to get more out of this car, and in the last race something worked. There are hidden reserves in the car that reveal themselves from track to track, it always behaves a little differently, and you don't know how strong everyone else will be or what the balance of power will be.
Last year Ferrari won in Mexico, I hope we can use that experience and achieve a good result this weekend. I expect the feel of the car to be completely different compared to what I experienced here last year and in previous years.
This weekend I'll miss the first practice, giving the car to Antonio Fuoco, so it's extremely important to feel confident straight away in the second one."
Lewis Hamilton: "We're still trying to get more out of this car, and in the last race something worked. There are hidden reserves in the car that reveal themselves from track to track, it always behaves a little differently, and you don't know how strong everyone else will be or what the balance of power will be.
Last year Ferrari won in Mexico, I hope we can use that experience and achieve a good result this weekend. I expect the feel of the car to be completely different compared to what I experienced here last year and in previous years.
This weekend I'll miss the first practice, giving the car to Antonio Fuoco, so it's extremely important to feel confident straight away in the second one."
Speaking about the lineup for next year, Red Bull Racing's head Laurent Mekies admitted that this season Yuki Tsunoda has not been fast enough…
Laurent Mekies: "We always want more. I can't tell you that Yuki's results are enough to extend his contract. No one thinks so, Yuki doesn't think so.
Two point-scoring races, two very good starts, two very good opening laps – that's progress compared to what he had shown earlier this year. Is that enough? No, I won't lie to you. And Yuki wouldn't like me to say that it's enough.
But Tsunoda can play his part in the remaining races. First of all, we're fighting in the Constructors' Championship. Wins are no longer in sight for us, but the battle for position continues. Secondly, the faster Yuki is, the more testing we can split between the cars. It's important for us that Yuki is fast. Perhaps, with improved results we may at some point be able to fight rivals two-on-two."
Laurent Mekies: "We always want more. I can't tell you that Yuki's results are enough to extend his contract. No one thinks so, Yuki doesn't think so.
Two point-scoring races, two very good starts, two very good opening laps – that's progress compared to what he had shown earlier this year. Is that enough? No, I won't lie to you. And Yuki wouldn't like me to say that it's enough.
But Tsunoda can play his part in the remaining races. First of all, we're fighting in the Constructors' Championship. Wins are no longer in sight for us, but the battle for position continues. Secondly, the faster Yuki is, the more testing we can split between the cars. It's important for us that Yuki is fast. Perhaps, with improved results we may at some point be able to fight rivals two-on-two."
FIA has confirmed a breach involving the hacking of data related to F1 drivers.
"The FIA became aware of a cyber incident"
The FIA has acknowledged that it experienced a cybersecurity breach earlier this year after ethical hackers disclosed their ability to access private information, including the passport and personal details of quadruple world champion Max Verstappen. Cybersecurity researcher Ian Carroll and his team described their findings in a blog entry, explaining that a weakness in the FIA’s driver categorization portal enabled them to elevate their access rights and view sensitive documents belonging to professional drivers.
The compromised system, which is distinct from the official Super Licence database, is utilized by the FIA to oversee the Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum classifications for competitors in global motorsport.
"The FIA became aware of a cyber incident"
The FIA has acknowledged that it experienced a cybersecurity breach earlier this year after ethical hackers disclosed their ability to access private information, including the passport and personal details of quadruple world champion Max Verstappen. Cybersecurity researcher Ian Carroll and his team described their findings in a blog entry, explaining that a weakness in the FIA’s driver categorization portal enabled them to elevate their access rights and view sensitive documents belonging to professional drivers.
The compromised system, which is distinct from the official Super Licence database, is utilized by the FIA to oversee the Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum classifications for competitors in global motorsport.
Colapinto avoids answering contract inquiries amid Alpine tensions.
"I believe we've handled the team's decisions effectively."
Franco Colapinto has dismissed speculation regarding his future, yet his indirect responses in Mexico did little to quell rumors that he has already secured a seat with Alpine for 2026. The Argentine rookie has been at the center of reports in recent days suggesting that Jack Doohan was close to being called back to take his place mid-season. Many within the paddock think this talk was encouraged by Flavio Briatore as a tactic to apply pressure on Colapinto’s sponsors, whose bright yellow branding is now prominently featured on the Alpine.
Colapinto’s bold disregard for team orders in Austin only further fueled the belief that his position for the future is secure.
"I believe we've handled the team's decisions effectively."
Franco Colapinto has dismissed speculation regarding his future, yet his indirect responses in Mexico did little to quell rumors that he has already secured a seat with Alpine for 2026. The Argentine rookie has been at the center of reports in recent days suggesting that Jack Doohan was close to being called back to take his place mid-season. Many within the paddock think this talk was encouraged by Flavio Briatore as a tactic to apply pressure on Colapinto’s sponsors, whose bright yellow branding is now prominently featured on the Alpine.
Colapinto’s bold disregard for team orders in Austin only further fueled the belief that his position for the future is secure.
Hadjar dismisses the possibility of an early switch to Red Bull.
"I’m confident that I’ll be in Formula 1 next year"
Despite experiencing a decline in performance since the summer, Isack Hadjar remains optimistic about his chances for elevation to Red Bull Racing in 2026, even as tensions rise within the current Racing Bulls team. The 21-year-old French driver had a lackluster weekend in Austin but expressed to Sky Italia his eagerness to improve in Mexico.
"I'm really excited to get back in the car," Hadjar stated. "I believe I can be the top rookie of the season, but it's difficult to make a fair comparison, as my car isn't the same as those of Antonelli, Bortoleto, or Bearman."
Hadjar acknowledged that his ultimate aspiration is clear. "My aim is to join Red Bull and become Verstappen’s teammate," he said. "I would feel disappointed if that doesn’t happen.
"I’m confident that I’ll be in Formula 1 next year"
Despite experiencing a decline in performance since the summer, Isack Hadjar remains optimistic about his chances for elevation to Red Bull Racing in 2026, even as tensions rise within the current Racing Bulls team. The 21-year-old French driver had a lackluster weekend in Austin but expressed to Sky Italia his eagerness to improve in Mexico.
"I'm really excited to get back in the car," Hadjar stated. "I believe I can be the top rookie of the season, but it's difficult to make a fair comparison, as my car isn't the same as those of Antonelli, Bortoleto, or Bearman."
Hadjar acknowledged that his ultimate aspiration is clear. "My aim is to join Red Bull and become Verstappen’s teammate," he said. "I would feel disappointed if that doesn’t happen.
Verstappen and Norris dismiss the 'tape-gate' controversy.
"It was rather entertaining to see them attempt and fail."
The 'tape-gate' controversy that started on the Austin grid has continued in Mexico City, but Max Verstappen is keeping himself away from the drama and from McLaren's increasing internal tensions. Red Bull faced a fine after one of its mechanics disregarded marshals to remove a piece of tape McLaren had placed on the pitwall to denote Lando Norris' grid position. Since that incident, discussions about sportsmanship have taken center stage in the paddock. "Anyone who needs this kind of tape should utilize it," Verstappen remarked. "I don't require it."
Carlos Sainz from Williams, a former member of the Red Bull team, was less lenient. "Clearly, someone saw a competitive edge by attempting to take that away from him," the Spaniard stated.
"It was rather entertaining to see them attempt and fail."
The 'tape-gate' controversy that started on the Austin grid has continued in Mexico City, but Max Verstappen is keeping himself away from the drama and from McLaren's increasing internal tensions. Red Bull faced a fine after one of its mechanics disregarded marshals to remove a piece of tape McLaren had placed on the pitwall to denote Lando Norris' grid position. Since that incident, discussions about sportsmanship have taken center stage in the paddock. "Anyone who needs this kind of tape should utilize it," Verstappen remarked. "I don't require it."
Carlos Sainz from Williams, a former member of the Red Bull team, was less lenient. "Clearly, someone saw a competitive edge by attempting to take that away from him," the Spaniard stated.
Leclerc supports Ferrari staff in light of viral memes.
"We're not yet where we aspire to be."
Charles Leclerc strongly believes that Ferrari has the right individuals in place, even amid another disappointing season that has made the team a subject of ridicule online. Although he secured a podium finish in Austin, a series of missed chances has caused the Scuderia to fall behind its competitors in both speed and results, leading to a surge of memes mocking Ferrari's performance and speculation about the need for external changes within the team. Nevertheless, the Monegasque driver asserts that the solution lies internally.
"We’re not where we want to be yet," he stated in Mexico. "However, I am confident that the right people are in the right positions. This gives me reassurance for what’s ahead."
"I know the team and how hard we are working to enhance our processes and methods," he continued.
"We're not yet where we aspire to be."
Charles Leclerc strongly believes that Ferrari has the right individuals in place, even amid another disappointing season that has made the team a subject of ridicule online. Although he secured a podium finish in Austin, a series of missed chances has caused the Scuderia to fall behind its competitors in both speed and results, leading to a surge of memes mocking Ferrari's performance and speculation about the need for external changes within the team. Nevertheless, the Monegasque driver asserts that the solution lies internally.
"We’re not where we want to be yet," he stated in Mexico. "However, I am confident that the right people are in the right positions. This gives me reassurance for what’s ahead."
"I know the team and how hard we are working to enhance our processes and methods," he continued.
We are still accepting predictions for the results of the Mexico City Grand Prix in our contest. After the race in Austin, the participant "Alex1444" scored the highest number of points — four exactly predicted positions, including the top two, and 190 points for the round. Congratulations to the winner of the previous round, and good luck to the participants in the upcoming Grand Prix!
In the last four Grands Prix Max Verstappen has scored 101 points out of a possible 108. Sauber driver Gabriel Bortoleto is impressed by how the reigning world champion has managed to get back into the title fight.
"I don't exactly make a secret of the fact that I think everything Max does is incredible," Gabriel Bortoleto said in Mexico. "Let's put it this way: right now, in my view, we're witnessing one of the greatest comebacks in history. We'll see what result he can achieve. Lately he's been winning a lot.
McLaren are strong too, but perhaps not as strong as they were at the start of the season, when they were scoring one-two finishes at every race. Anything can happen, but Max is already doing an outstanding job.
For most of the year he didn't have the best car, or even a car in the top three, yet he still remained in the title fight for a long time. Now Red Bull have managed to improve, and Max is already making history."
"I don't exactly make a secret of the fact that I think everything Max does is incredible," Gabriel Bortoleto said in Mexico. "Let's put it this way: right now, in my view, we're witnessing one of the greatest comebacks in history. We'll see what result he can achieve. Lately he's been winning a lot.
McLaren are strong too, but perhaps not as strong as they were at the start of the season, when they were scoring one-two finishes at every race. Anything can happen, but Max is already doing an outstanding job.
For most of the year he didn't have the best car, or even a car in the top three, yet he still remained in the title fight for a long time. Now Red Bull have managed to improve, and Max is already making history."
Ocon will be following Kalle Rovanperä's career with interest.
When Colton Herta decided to move from IndyCar, where he once finished as runner-up, to Formula 2 solely to obtain an FIA superlicense and, consequently, a chance to move to Formula 1, that could be considered an interesting piece of news.
But when Finnish rally driver Kalle Rovanperä, who at 25 already holds two WRC titles and this season could well become world champion for a third time, announced that he also intends to continue his career in F2, that was almost a sensation. However, he plans first to gain experience in the Japanese Super Formula series.
Of course, his decision drew considerable interest in the Formula 1 paddock, where all talented drivers are treated with due respect regardless of what category they compete in.
When Colton Herta decided to move from IndyCar, where he once finished as runner-up, to Formula 2 solely to obtain an FIA superlicense and, consequently, a chance to move to Formula 1, that could be considered an interesting piece of news.
But when Finnish rally driver Kalle Rovanperä, who at 25 already holds two WRC titles and this season could well become world champion for a third time, announced that he also intends to continue his career in F2, that was almost a sensation. However, he plans first to gain experience in the Japanese Super Formula series.
Of course, his decision drew considerable interest in the Formula 1 paddock, where all talented drivers are treated with due respect regardless of what category they compete in.
Franco Colapinto has repeatedly apologized for failing to follow a team order in Austin and overtaking his teammate, but on Thursday in Mexico City he denied that the contract situation influenced his actions…
Franco Colapinto: “Previously we worked well with the team, although in Austin I received a different instruction than I have been getting lately, so a difficult situation arose. But we discussed everything after the race, put the matter to rest, everything is fine.
I don’t have a contract, and I don’t know how I would have reacted if I did. We knew that 2025 would be a transition year for the team, but it turned out to be more complicated than we expected.
The reality is that over the last six races Pierre and I have had very closely matched results. I’m in good form, I had a strong pace, but sometimes we don’t have the chance to show our true speed — the car doesn’t allow it.”
Franco Colapinto: “Previously we worked well with the team, although in Austin I received a different instruction than I have been getting lately, so a difficult situation arose. But we discussed everything after the race, put the matter to rest, everything is fine.
I don’t have a contract, and I don’t know how I would have reacted if I did. We knew that 2025 would be a transition year for the team, but it turned out to be more complicated than we expected.
The reality is that over the last six races Pierre and I have had very closely matched results. I’m in good form, I had a strong pace, but sometimes we don’t have the chance to show our true speed — the car doesn’t allow it.”
On Thursday in Mexico City, Charles Leclerc spoke about the podium in Austin and his desire to build on that success...