The 2025 Mexican Grand Prix delivered a thrilling spectacle, starting with a dramatic opening lap that shifted the championship lead for the first time in over six months.
Let’s delve into the key takeaways from the Mexico race weekend…
Opposition to ‘Lawnmower’ Racing
Several drivers expressed dissatisfaction with what George Russell termed “lawnmower racing” during the initial turn.
Both Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen gained positions by navigating off the track, a move perceived by many as unjust.
Lewis Hamilton felt penalized for adhering to track limits, stating, “I had a great start. I was in P2, but while I stuck to the rules, others cut corners and maintained their spots. It’s just crazy,” he remarked.
Fernando Alonso echoed these sentiments, noting he “lost four positions” while sticking to the track, watching opponents advance ahead of him.
Aston Martin’s chief trackside officer, Mike Krack, shared his empathy for Alonso’s frustration, commenting on the chaotic nature of the opening lap and the challenge for stewards to manage it effectively.
Red Bull’s Praise for Tsunoda vs. Results
Despite finishing 11th, Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies hailed Yuki Tsunoda’s performance as his best in a while.
Mekies noted that Tsunoda was only two tenths behind Max Verstappen in qualifying, marking his closest deficit this season.
Although Tsunoda began strong, a strategically extended first stint led to him being utilized to bolster Verstappen’s podium chances.
With a slow pit stop contributing to his compromised position, Mekies acknowledged Tsunoda’s progress while indicating that distractions were unwelcome as Verstappen pursues the championship.
Haas Secures Timely Success
Haas has often faltered in scoring points despite showing promise, but the upgraded VF-25 proved competitive in Mexico.
Driver Ollie Bearman executed a commendable race, navigating through faster competitors despite feeling pressure racing alongside Verstappen early on.
The team opted for a two-stop strategy, prioritizing tire longevity over a potential podium finish, a decision that may pay dividends in the championship race for added prize money.
Securing a fourth-place finish, a best result for both driver and team, serves as a morale boost moving forward.
Aston Martin’s Ongoing Struggles
Aston Martin has yet to score points at the Mexican Grand Prix during this regulations period, with their best result being 11th place.
The team faces significant aerodynamic efficiency challenges exacerbated by the low-grip track conditions, failing to adapt to the circuit’s demands.
Mike Krack acknowledged the need for improved understanding of the track after a disappointing performance, compounded by an early spin from Lance Stroll and a retirement due to brake issues for Fernando Alonso.
Lawson Receives Apology; FIA Escapes Serious Scandal
The event is also noted for a dangerous incident involving Liam Lawson, who nearly collided with marshals crossing the track during his pit stop.
Lawson was understandably upset and received an apology from FIA officials, who are now investigating how the situation unfolded when contradictory orders led to the marshals being in the wrong place.
Piastri’s Championship Dilemma
Oscar Piastri is experiencing a troubling downturn in his performance, having lost his championship lead to teammate Lando Norris due to a growing gap in pace.
Piastri struggled mainly in Mexico, where he faced a consistent time deficit to Norris throughout various sections of the track.
McLaren’s team principal Andrea Stella believes Piastri’s troubles stem from the specific low-grip conditions, posing questions about his adaptability.
Norris’s Significant Progress
While Piastri has faltered, Lando Norris has capitalized on the situation, demonstrating exceptional performance in Mexico.
Norris has traditionally fared better in low-grip scenarios, and his insights from recent debriefings have contributed to his improved feeling behind the wheel.
His performance boost is crucial as he prepares for Verstappen’s pursuit, focusing on solidifying his own standings within the team.
This paraphrased version maintains the core information from the original article while presenting it in a structured HTML format.
