Russell: We fell short of the top three by very little.
George Russell will start in Mexico from fourth position and says the qualifying results slightly surprise him. Kimi Antonelli is a bit upset — he says he couldn't find the right rhythm, although in the end the Italian Mercedes driver posted the eighth-fastest time.
George Russell (4th): "The results are somewhat surprising, because usually if we qualify behind two Ferraris we're more likely to be around fifth or sixth, but right now we're fourth. It's a pretty decent result, and although we couldn't catch the top three, we were only a little way off. By the way, Oscar Piastri was only a tenth of a second behind me, and he's only eighth. But I'm glad to be starting ahead of him. If we talk about tomorrow's race, it's very important to get through Turn 1 cleanly and complete the first lap.
George Russell will start in Mexico from fourth position and says the qualifying results slightly surprise him. Kimi Antonelli is a bit upset — he says he couldn't find the right rhythm, although in the end the Italian Mercedes driver posted the eighth-fastest time.
George Russell (4th): "The results are somewhat surprising, because usually if we qualify behind two Ferraris we're more likely to be around fifth or sixth, but right now we're fourth. It's a pretty decent result, and although we couldn't catch the top three, we were only a little way off. By the way, Oscar Piastri was only a tenth of a second behind me, and he's only eighth. But I'm glad to be starting ahead of him. If we talk about tomorrow's race, it's very important to get through Turn 1 cleanly and complete the first lap.
Hajar: I'm pleased with how we handled it.
At Racing Bulls, after an unlucky Friday they decided to completely strip down the car in an attempt to turn things around, and it worked — Isaac Hadjar made it to the final…
Isaac Hadjar (9th): "I'm very happy with the team and with how we handled Friday's problems. Overnight we rebuilt the car, made a few changes, and it paid off. I put in some good runs and reached the qualifying final, and in the race I want to score points.
There can be different scenarios in the first corner, because in Mexico it is quite far from the starting grid. We have to take any opportunity to make up ground."
Liam Lawson (15th): "The car was quick today; I got through the first part of qualifying fine, but in the second part we had balance issues and a mistake on the first lap made things a lot more complicated.
At Racing Bulls, after an unlucky Friday they decided to completely strip down the car in an attempt to turn things around, and it worked — Isaac Hadjar made it to the final…
Isaac Hadjar (9th): "I'm very happy with the team and with how we handled Friday's problems. Overnight we rebuilt the car, made a few changes, and it paid off. I put in some good runs and reached the qualifying final, and in the race I want to score points.
There can be different scenarios in the first corner, because in Mexico it is quite far from the starting grid. We have to take any opportunity to make up ground."
Liam Lawson (15th): "The car was quick today; I got through the first part of qualifying fine, but in the second part we had balance issues and a mistake on the first lap made things a lot more complicated.
Carlos Sainz: I'm confident in the race pace.
Carlos Sainz set the seventh fastest time in qualifying for the Mexico Grand Prix, but the Williams driver will drop five places on the grid as a penalty for colliding with Kimi Antonelli at the previous round in Austin. Nevertheless, Carlos is confident that the car's pace will be enough to fight for points.
His teammate Alex Albon had an unlucky session, and due to a lack of grip he failed to advance to the second part of qualifying.
Carlos Sainz (7th): "That was probably the best qualifying lap I've had all season. I'm happy with the car's behaviour, and I approached qualifying feeling very confident, but now we need to focus on the race. It's a shame I'll be losing places because of the penalty, as starting further back will make the race harder, since cooling problems can arise in dirty air. However, I'm confident in the race pace and intend to fight for points.
Carlos Sainz set the seventh fastest time in qualifying for the Mexico Grand Prix, but the Williams driver will drop five places on the grid as a penalty for colliding with Kimi Antonelli at the previous round in Austin. Nevertheless, Carlos is confident that the car's pace will be enough to fight for points.
His teammate Alex Albon had an unlucky session, and due to a lack of grip he failed to advance to the second part of qualifying.
Carlos Sainz (7th): "That was probably the best qualifying lap I've had all season. I'm happy with the car's behaviour, and I approached qualifying feeling very confident, but now we need to focus on the race. It's a shame I'll be losing places because of the penalty, as starting further back will make the race harder, since cooling problems can arise in dirty air. However, I'm confident in the race pace and intend to fight for points.
At Pirelli they expect one pit stop.
Having assessed tyre behaviour and the track conditions, Pirelli expects the traditional one-stop strategy in today's race…
Mario Isola, Pirelli's Head of Motorsport: "The track conditions and tyre degradation in FP3, when the race simulation was run, were very similar to what we saw on Friday, but in qualifying the track improved and the results matched our calculations. The characteristics of the C5 were clearly visible in qualifying. Those drivers who made it to the first corner after the long, more-than‑1 km straight with the front tyres at the right temperature definitely benefited from a well-balanced car and gained an advantage. Managing the temperature of the rear tyres in the final sector was key to gaining a few more tenths. The few drivers who managed to set their best time on the second flying lap owed that to the improved track condition.
Having assessed tyre behaviour and the track conditions, Pirelli expects the traditional one-stop strategy in today's race…
Mario Isola, Pirelli's Head of Motorsport: "The track conditions and tyre degradation in FP3, when the race simulation was run, were very similar to what we saw on Friday, but in qualifying the track improved and the results matched our calculations. The characteristics of the C5 were clearly visible in qualifying. Those drivers who made it to the first corner after the long, more-than‑1 km straight with the front tyres at the right temperature definitely benefited from a well-balanced car and gained an advantage. Managing the temperature of the rear tyres in the final sector was key to gaining a few more tenths. The few drivers who managed to set their best time on the second flying lap owed that to the improved track condition.
Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes that McLaren cannot break the "papaya rule" by switching to support only one of its drivers, because equal treatment is written into their contracts.
Juan Pablo Montoya: "The team cannot ask one driver to help another, because the drivers' contracts state that, as long as they are still mathematically in contention, the team cannot ask them to assist their teammate.
Obviously, instructions favoring one of the drivers in the title fight are different from orders to help the team, which the contract obliges them to follow. I'm talking about the standard set of tools: swapping positions if one car has a better strategy, not holding each other up, preserving positions at the finish to avoid risking retirement. Although even that can in principle be used without directly saying 'help your teammate win the title'."
Juan Pablo Montoya: "The team cannot ask one driver to help another, because the drivers' contracts state that, as long as they are still mathematically in contention, the team cannot ask them to assist their teammate.
Obviously, instructions favoring one of the drivers in the title fight are different from orders to help the team, which the contract obliges them to follow. I'm talking about the standard set of tools: swapping positions if one car has a better strategy, not holding each other up, preserving positions at the finish to avoid risking retirement. Although even that can in principle be used without directly saying 'help your teammate win the title'."
Vasseur: We've been quick since the start of the weekend, which makes things easier.
On Saturday in Mexico, Ferrari put in its best qualifying performance of the season: Charles Leclerc posted the second-fastest time, Lewis Hamilton — third. Naturally, such results pleased both the Italian team's fans and its boss.
Frédéric Vasseur: "First of all, it's important to fully enjoy the qualifying result, because it was a good session — possibly our best since the start of the year. But the main thing is that we showed strong performance in all three parts of qualifying, so we'll see how things go in the race, especially since on this track there is a very long run-up to Turn 1.
On Saturday in Mexico, Ferrari put in its best qualifying performance of the season: Charles Leclerc posted the second-fastest time, Lewis Hamilton — third. Naturally, such results pleased both the Italian team's fans and its boss.
Frédéric Vasseur: "First of all, it's important to fully enjoy the qualifying result, because it was a good session — possibly our best since the start of the year. But the main thing is that we showed strong performance in all three parts of qualifying, so we'll see how things go in the race, especially since on this track there is a very long run-up to Turn 1.
Valtteri Bottas admitted that Carlos Sainz prevented him from returning to Formula 1 as a Williams driver in 2025 — Sainz ultimately became Alex Albon’s teammate — and everything that followed shows James Vowles made the right choice.
Last season Sauber did not renew the Finnish driver’s contract, so he returned to Mercedes, where he serves as a reserve driver. But back in 2013 Bottas’s career began at Williams, so it was no surprise that in 2024 he was negotiating with that team, especially since he knows James Vowles well from working together at Mercedes.
Things were already heading towards signing a contract, but then the situation changed…
“I enjoyed working with James Vowles, and I was really close to signing a contract with Williams for this year,” Bottas told Motorsport Week. “But when we already had the contract text ready, Carlos Sainz appeared. That’s Formula 1.
“However, I think this team is definitely on the right track, because Williams is clearly progressing. Results can vary from weekend to weekend, but if you look at the level the team was at just a few years ago, you have to admit they’re doing a great job.
“I suppose that’s also due to the fact that Williams is now backed by a strong investment group (Dorilton Capital), and that the team is led by James Vowles, who effectively applies his vast knowledge gained from years at Mercedes, and he’s getting results.”
With five rounds remaining in the season, Williams is fifth in the Constructors’ Championship — the last time it was at that level was in 2017, when it was represented by Lance Stroll, then just debuting in the world championship, and Brazilian veteran Felipe Massa, for whom that season was his last.
As for Valtteri Bottas, he probably didn’t lose out by missing the 2025 season — instead he had a proper rest while continuing to maintain excellent physical condition and keeping ties with the paddock, which allowed him to sign a contract with Cadillac F1. So the Finn will return to the championship next year and will race for a new team where his teammate will be the no less experienced Sergio Pérez.
Last season Sauber did not renew the Finnish driver’s contract, so he returned to Mercedes, where he serves as a reserve driver. But back in 2013 Bottas’s career began at Williams, so it was no surprise that in 2024 he was negotiating with that team, especially since he knows James Vowles well from working together at Mercedes.
Things were already heading towards signing a contract, but then the situation changed…
“I enjoyed working with James Vowles, and I was really close to signing a contract with Williams for this year,” Bottas told Motorsport Week. “But when we already had the contract text ready, Carlos Sainz appeared. That’s Formula 1.
“However, I think this team is definitely on the right track, because Williams is clearly progressing. Results can vary from weekend to weekend, but if you look at the level the team was at just a few years ago, you have to admit they’re doing a great job.
“I suppose that’s also due to the fact that Williams is now backed by a strong investment group (Dorilton Capital), and that the team is led by James Vowles, who effectively applies his vast knowledge gained from years at Mercedes, and he’s getting results.”
With five rounds remaining in the season, Williams is fifth in the Constructors’ Championship — the last time it was at that level was in 2017, when it was represented by Lance Stroll, then just debuting in the world championship, and Brazilian veteran Felipe Massa, for whom that season was his last.
As for Valtteri Bottas, he probably didn’t lose out by missing the 2025 season — instead he had a proper rest while continuing to maintain excellent physical condition and keeping ties with the paddock, which allowed him to sign a contract with Cadillac F1. So the Finn will return to the championship next year and will race for a new team where his teammate will be the no less experienced Sergio Pérez.
Alonso isn't hoping for a miracle, but for crashes in the opening corners.
As a result of qualifying, Fernando Alonso will start the Mexican Grand Prix from 14th position, his Aston Martin lining up on the even side of the grid behind the Williams of fellow Spaniard Carlos Sainz, who dropped five places on the grid due to a penalty he received in Austin for a collision with Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.
"There was nothing more to extract from the car, that's the reality," the two-time world champion commented. "We still made it into the second part of qualifying, and everything could have changed in a matter of fractions of a second, but we lacked pace. In theory we knew that it would be hardest for us in Mexico and Las Vegas, and that has been confirmed.
I don't expect a miracle and that I'll be much faster in the race.
As a result of qualifying, Fernando Alonso will start the Mexican Grand Prix from 14th position, his Aston Martin lining up on the even side of the grid behind the Williams of fellow Spaniard Carlos Sainz, who dropped five places on the grid due to a penalty he received in Austin for a collision with Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.
"There was nothing more to extract from the car, that's the reality," the two-time world champion commented. "We still made it into the second part of qualifying, and everything could have changed in a matter of fractions of a second, but we lacked pace. In theory we knew that it would be hardest for us in Mexico and Las Vegas, and that has been confirmed.
I don't expect a miracle and that I'll be much faster in the race.
Sergio Perez went through a very difficult period at Red Bull Racing before leaving the team, and on Sky Sport F1 he said he sympathizes with those who replaced him…
Sergio Perez: "I won't criticise the drivers who are racing there because I was in that situation myself. I know what they are going through.
The moment I signed the contract with Red Bull, when we reached the agreement, I thought, 'Poor guy who will come here.'
It's a very tough place. Obviously, racing alongside Max is very difficult, but racing alongside Max at Red Bull — that's something people will never understand. I could tell a lot, but it's just a very hard job for a driver. No driver will survive at Red Bull. It doesn't matter who you bring — Hamilton or Leclerc — whoever it is, he's going to have a very hard time."
Sergio Perez: "I won't criticise the drivers who are racing there because I was in that situation myself. I know what they are going through.
The moment I signed the contract with Red Bull, when we reached the agreement, I thought, 'Poor guy who will come here.'
It's a very tough place. Obviously, racing alongside Max is very difficult, but racing alongside Max at Red Bull — that's something people will never understand. I could tell a lot, but it's just a very hard job for a driver. No driver will survive at Red Bull. It doesn't matter who you bring — Hamilton or Leclerc — whoever it is, he's going to have a very hard time."
1. Lando Norris
McLaren
1:15.586
2. Charles Leclerc
Ferrari
1:15.848
+ 0.262
3. Lewis Hamilton
Ferrari
1:15.938
+ 0.352
4. George Russell
Mercedes
1:16.034
+ 0.448
5. Max Verstappen
Red Bull
1:16.070
+ 0.484
6. Kimi Antonelli
Mercedes
1:16.118
+ 0.532
7. Oscar Piastri
McLaren
1:16.174
+ 0.588
8. Isack Hadjar
Racing Bulls
1:16.252
+ 0.666
9. Oliver Bearman
Haas
1:16.460
+ 0.874
10. Yuki Tsunoda
Red Bull
1:16.816
+ 1.230
11. Esteban Ocon
Haas
1:16.837
12. Carlos Sainz
Williams
1:16.172
penalized with a 5-place grid drop for the incident in the US GP
13. Nico Hülkenberg
Sauber
1:17.016
14. Fernando Alonso
Aston Martin
1:17.103
15. Liam Lawson
Racing Bulls
1:18.072
16. Gabriel Bortoleto
Sauber
1:17.412
17. Alex Albon
Williams
1:17.490
18. Pierre Gasly
Alpine
1:17.546
19. Lance Stroll
Aston Martin
1:17.606
20. Franco Colapinto
Alpine
1:17.670
McLaren
1:15.586
2. Charles Leclerc
Ferrari
1:15.848
+ 0.262
3. Lewis Hamilton
Ferrari
1:15.938
+ 0.352
4. George Russell
Mercedes
1:16.034
+ 0.448
5. Max Verstappen
Red Bull
1:16.070
+ 0.484
6. Kimi Antonelli
Mercedes
1:16.118
+ 0.532
7. Oscar Piastri
McLaren
1:16.174
+ 0.588
8. Isack Hadjar
Racing Bulls
1:16.252
+ 0.666
9. Oliver Bearman
Haas
1:16.460
+ 0.874
10. Yuki Tsunoda
Red Bull
1:16.816
+ 1.230
11. Esteban Ocon
Haas
1:16.837
12. Carlos Sainz
Williams
1:16.172
penalized with a 5-place grid drop for the incident in the US GP
13. Nico Hülkenberg
Sauber
1:17.016
14. Fernando Alonso
Aston Martin
1:17.103
15. Liam Lawson
Racing Bulls
1:18.072
16. Gabriel Bortoleto
Sauber
1:17.412
17. Alex Albon
Williams
1:17.490
18. Pierre Gasly
Alpine
1:17.546
19. Lance Stroll
Aston Martin
1:17.606
20. Franco Colapinto
Alpine
1:17.670
Oliver Bearman regrets that, under Formula 1 sporting regulations, he had to miss the first Friday practice in Mexico because his car was driven by Rio Hirakawa, Haas F1’s Japanese reserve driver.
The rules in force in 2025 stipulate that all teams must provide their cars to rookies at least twice per season — rookies being drivers who have contested no more than two Grands Prix in the World Championship.
Although Bearman himself could also be considered a rookie, since this is his first full season in Formula 1, he does not formally fall into that category. The British Ferrari Driver Academy graduate made his debut last year when he took part in three Grands Prix for Scuderia Ferrari and Haas: in Jeddah he drove Carlos Sainz’s car when Sainz was ill, and in Baku and São Paulo he stood in for Kevin Magnussen.
"Mexico is a tricky circuit, and I probably underestimated how important it is to do even the first practice session," Motorsport Week quotes Oliver as saying. "In general, I’ll say again: it’s not easy for me. It’s my debut season, and yet I am forced to miss practice. In my position I should have the opportunity to work on track, including in the very first session of these weekends, but I have to give up my seat — that’s a fact.
Wherever it happens, it makes a difference. If I had the chance to do the season from the very start, I would prefer to miss practice at tracks I’m more familiar with, for example Abu Dhabi. After all, I’m still a rookie, it’s my first full season. I don’t think I should ever be in a situation where I have to miss practice."
Although the 20-year-old Briton bemoans his fate, on Saturday that did not prevent him from beating his experienced teammate Esteban Ocon in qualifying for the sixth consecutive time.
"All things considered, I’m glad I made it to the final," added Bearman, who set the tenth fastest time but will start ninth due to Carlos Sainz’s penalty. "On Friday I had a few issues; I couldn’t extract the maximum from the car in my only free practice session, and on Saturday I couldn’t get the soft tyres to work effectively, so I didn’t really get a feel for their behaviour.
Overall, many questions remained unanswered before qualifying, and we are still not quick enough. To be honest, after the lap I did in the final session, it felt like that was the maximum the car could do. So my impressions were mixed.
But still, we made it to the qualifying final for the third time in a row — it’s also important that the VF-25 has become faster thanks to the technical upgrades, because that is exactly what we are aiming for."
The rules in force in 2025 stipulate that all teams must provide their cars to rookies at least twice per season — rookies being drivers who have contested no more than two Grands Prix in the World Championship.
Although Bearman himself could also be considered a rookie, since this is his first full season in Formula 1, he does not formally fall into that category. The British Ferrari Driver Academy graduate made his debut last year when he took part in three Grands Prix for Scuderia Ferrari and Haas: in Jeddah he drove Carlos Sainz’s car when Sainz was ill, and in Baku and São Paulo he stood in for Kevin Magnussen.
"Mexico is a tricky circuit, and I probably underestimated how important it is to do even the first practice session," Motorsport Week quotes Oliver as saying. "In general, I’ll say again: it’s not easy for me. It’s my debut season, and yet I am forced to miss practice. In my position I should have the opportunity to work on track, including in the very first session of these weekends, but I have to give up my seat — that’s a fact.
Wherever it happens, it makes a difference. If I had the chance to do the season from the very start, I would prefer to miss practice at tracks I’m more familiar with, for example Abu Dhabi. After all, I’m still a rookie, it’s my first full season. I don’t think I should ever be in a situation where I have to miss practice."
Although the 20-year-old Briton bemoans his fate, on Saturday that did not prevent him from beating his experienced teammate Esteban Ocon in qualifying for the sixth consecutive time.
"All things considered, I’m glad I made it to the final," added Bearman, who set the tenth fastest time but will start ninth due to Carlos Sainz’s penalty. "On Friday I had a few issues; I couldn’t extract the maximum from the car in my only free practice session, and on Saturday I couldn’t get the soft tyres to work effectively, so I didn’t really get a feel for their behaviour.
Overall, many questions remained unanswered before qualifying, and we are still not quick enough. To be honest, after the lap I did in the final session, it felt like that was the maximum the car could do. So my impressions were mixed.
But still, we made it to the qualifying final for the third time in a row — it’s also important that the VF-25 has become faster thanks to the technical upgrades, because that is exactly what we are aiming for."
The team's being located at three bases does not hinder Cadillac.
The Cadillac team, which will debut in Formula 1 next season, will have several bases. A large base is currently under construction in Fishers, Indiana, which will become the headquarters for all racing projects. An engine-building base is being developed in Charlotte, and right now the Formula 1 team is based at Silverstone.
Pat Symonds, who has many years of experience in Formula 1 and is currently serving as Cadillac’s chief engineering consultant, said that the team’s being spread across several bases around the world will not affect its effectiveness.
“This is an American team,” Symonds said at a press meeting in Mexico. “It is based in America, but it makes sense to use some of the knowledge accumulated in Europe to get the project off the ground. For example, the wind tunnel is located in Germany.
The Cadillac team, which will debut in Formula 1 next season, will have several bases. A large base is currently under construction in Fishers, Indiana, which will become the headquarters for all racing projects. An engine-building base is being developed in Charlotte, and right now the Formula 1 team is based at Silverstone.
Pat Symonds, who has many years of experience in Formula 1 and is currently serving as Cadillac’s chief engineering consultant, said that the team’s being spread across several bases around the world will not affect its effectiveness.
“This is an American team,” Symonds said at a press meeting in Mexico. “It is based in America, but it makes sense to use some of the knowledge accumulated in Europe to get the project off the ground. For example, the wind tunnel is located in Germany.
Mexico City is ready to host NASCAR and IndyCar races.
The promoters of the Mexico City Grand Prix are also ready to hold NASCAR and IndyCar rounds at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez and have indicated that these races will not take place next year, primarily because Mexico is preparing to host World Cup matches in 2026.
However, the organizers of both American series must, for their part, take a more active stance and prepare the necessary infrastructure, which would allow them to target the 2027 season.
In June a NASCAR race took place in Mexico City, but it will not return to the circuit next year; meanwhile IndyCar is in talks about a round in the Mexican capital, but no agreement has been reached yet.
"The NASCAR race went great, it was a spectacular event," said Alejandro Soberon, promoter of the Mexico City Grand Prix and CEO of CIE Group. "I think this can be developed further.
The promoters of the Mexico City Grand Prix are also ready to hold NASCAR and IndyCar rounds at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez and have indicated that these races will not take place next year, primarily because Mexico is preparing to host World Cup matches in 2026.
However, the organizers of both American series must, for their part, take a more active stance and prepare the necessary infrastructure, which would allow them to target the 2027 season.
In June a NASCAR race took place in Mexico City, but it will not return to the circuit next year; meanwhile IndyCar is in talks about a round in the Mexican capital, but no agreement has been reached yet.
"The NASCAR race went great, it was a spectacular event," said Alejandro Soberon, promoter of the Mexico City Grand Prix and CEO of CIE Group. "I think this can be developed further.
One hundred and ten minutes before the start of the Mexican Grand Prix, Max Verstappen is feeling positive…
Max Verstappen: "We'll see how the race goes. The team isn't having the easiest weekend, but we'll try to do everything we can. Of course, I'll try to gain a few positions.
Sergio Perez? I'm very happy that he'll be back next year. For now I'm just soaking up the moment and enjoying being in Mexico City. It's always nice to see such passionate fans."
Max Verstappen: "We'll see how the race goes. The team isn't having the easiest weekend, but we'll try to do everything we can. Of course, I'll try to gain a few positions.
Sergio Perez? I'm very happy that he'll be back next year. For now I'm just soaking up the moment and enjoying being in Mexico City. It's always nice to see such passionate fans."
After a disappointing qualifying, Oscar Piastri hopes to fight back in the race...
Oscar Piastri: "Of course, my job is to fight my way forward, to make up positions, but we'll see what we can do. This weekend we've had some difficulties; I haven't been able to unlock the potential of our car, but today we'll try to make full use of the MCL39's speed. I'm a fan of Michael Jordan's talent — he always did everything possible to win, nothing could stop him, and I'll try to do the same."
Oscar Piastri: "Of course, my job is to fight my way forward, to make up positions, but we'll see what we can do. This weekend we've had some difficulties; I haven't been able to unlock the potential of our car, but today we'll try to make full use of the MCL39's speed. I'm a fan of Michael Jordan's talent — he always did everything possible to win, nothing could stop him, and I'll try to do the same."
Lando Norris starts from pole in Mexico City and is aiming for the win...
Lando Norris: “I’m feeling great, as always — I’m just focused on enjoying the upcoming race and also want to soak up the unique atmosphere of Mexico City.
I’m starting from pole, but even if I manage to win, I can assure you I’m not planning to throw a noisy Mexican-style celebration — definitely not this year.
Although I really like it here, I’ll probably get a good night’s sleep and then fly home. But Mexico City is a great city, so maybe we’ll celebrate next time!”
Lando Norris: “I’m feeling great, as always — I’m just focused on enjoying the upcoming race and also want to soak up the unique atmosphere of Mexico City.
I’m starting from pole, but even if I manage to win, I can assure you I’m not planning to throw a noisy Mexican-style celebration — definitely not this year.
Although I really like it here, I’ll probably get a good night’s sleep and then fly home. But Mexico City is a great city, so maybe we’ll celebrate next time!”
Ahead of the start of the Mexican Grand Prix, Pirelli's press office published information about the remaining tyre sets the drivers have.
Verstappen acknowledges that 'mind games' are now unnecessary.
"I have nothing to lose in this title race."
Max Verstappen has stated that he no longer feels the need to engage in psychological tactics with his competitors, but he acknowledges that the increasing tension with McLaren's title challengers is beginning to echo the dynamics of 2021. Speaking to De Limburger during the Mexican Grand Prix, the Dutch driver discussed the changes in his mindset since his initial championship battle with Lewis Hamilton.
"Back then, I played that sort of game. Will I do that again? I don’t need to," remarked the four-time world champion. "At that time, I hadn’t yet won a world title. Now I have several, and they (Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris) do not. At this point, those who haven't won a championship yet are naturally more nervous than those who have.
"I have nothing to lose in this title race."
Max Verstappen has stated that he no longer feels the need to engage in psychological tactics with his competitors, but he acknowledges that the increasing tension with McLaren's title challengers is beginning to echo the dynamics of 2021. Speaking to De Limburger during the Mexican Grand Prix, the Dutch driver discussed the changes in his mindset since his initial championship battle with Lewis Hamilton.
"Back then, I played that sort of game. Will I do that again? I don’t need to," remarked the four-time world champion. "At that time, I hadn’t yet won a world title. Now I have several, and they (Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris) do not. At this point, those who haven't won a championship yet are naturally more nervous than those who have.