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Mexico City GP - Race

Updated: Aug 8, 2025

F1 cars on track with an overlay of the Mexico City GP circuit outline.


Mexico City GP


Race

October 27, 2024


Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz captured a well-deserved victory at the Mexico City Grand Prix, topping McLaren’s Lando Norris and pulling ahead early with a decisive overtake on championship leader Max Verstappen. The race was a thrilling one, punctuated by drama and tension, especially between Verstappen and Norris as they fought for position — a clash that left Verstappen hit with two separate penalties.


Sainz’s Bold Move to Victory


The turning point came on Lap 9 when Sainz reclaimed the lead from Verstappen with a stunning, late-braking move at Turn 1, showing Ferrari’s confidence and Sainz’s skill in managing the challenging track. His lead remained solid from there, a perfect end to a weekend that started with him taking pole position. After the race, Sainz reflected on his determined approach, saying:“I really wanted this one, I really needed it for myself… I knew I could make it.”


This victory marks Sainz’s fourth career win and his second this season, a high note as he prepares to leave Ferrari at the end of the year. He made his intentions clear:“With four races left, I want to enjoy it as much as possible, and if another one comes, I’m going to go for it.”


Verstappen and Norris: Rivalry Intensifies


The race took a controversial turn two laps later, when Verstappen and Norris clashed as they fought for second position. Verstappen forced Norris off-track, leading to a frustrated radio message from the McLaren driver:“This guy is dangerous, I just had to avoid a crash… It’s the same as last time.”


Norris later added, “This is not very clean driving in my opinion, but I avoided it, and it was a good race.” The stewards agreed with his assessment, penalizing Verstappen with two 10-second penalties, which he served at his only pit stop. The penalties sent him back down the order, ultimately finishing sixth. The result reduces Verstappen’s championship lead to 47 points, with four races and two sprints left in the season.


Perez and Red Bull’s Troubles Continue


Sergio Perez, the local hero, finished 17th in a disappointing home race, intensifying speculation about his future at Red Bull. Struggling with braking issues, Perez was the last classified car — a tough blow for the Mexican crowd who had high hopes.


Leclerc, Ferrari, and the Constructors' Battle


Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc put in a strong performance but ultimately missed the podium, finishing fourth after an off-track moment allowed Norris to pass him late in the race. Still, he snagged the fastest lap, securing an extra point in Ferrari’s pursuit of McLaren in the constructors' standings, now separated by only 29 points. Leclerc noted Ferrari’s

improvement, saying:“It’s been quite a few races now we are coming back to the level we should be at… We’re getting closer [to the constructors' title], and I hope we can continue in that direction.”


Mercedes Locks Up Top Five, Haas Impresses


Behind Norris and Leclerc, Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton and George Russell locked out fourth and fifth, battling each other in the final stint. Kevin Magnussen had a standout performance for Haas, finishing seventh, followed by Oscar Piastri in eighth. Nico Hulkenberg and Alpine’s Pierre Gasly rounded out the points.


Race Retirements and Alonso’s Milestone


Not everyone saw the checkered flag. Yuki Tsunoda and Alex Albon collided on the first lap, causing both to retire, while Fernando Alonso — celebrating his milestone 400th race start — retired his Aston Martin after 16 laps, ending a tough race for the F1 legend.


Carlos Sainz’s daring performance, Lando Norris’s persistence, and Max Verstappen’s penalties made for a captivating Mexico City Grand Prix. With only a few races left, the title race remains alive, and the battle between Ferrari and McLaren for the constructors’ championship grows ever tighter. As the season winds down, all eyes are on Verstappen and Norris, while Sainz savors a well-deserved victory on his way out of Ferrari.



Mexico City GP 2024 F1 Race Result


  1. Carlos Sainz, Ferrari (1:40:55.800)

  2. Lando Norris, McLaren (+4.705)

  3. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari (+34.387)

  4. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes (+44.780)

  5. George Russell, Mercedes (+48.536)

  6. Max Verstappen, Red Bull (+59.558)

  7. Kevin Magnussen, Haas (+1:03.642)

  8. Oscar Piastri, McLaren (+1:04.928)

  9. Nico Hülkenberg, Haas (+1 Lap)

  10. Pierre Gasly, Alpine (+1 Lap)

  11. Lance Stroll, Aston Martin (+1 Lap)

  12. Franco Colapinto, Williams (+1 Lap)

  13. Esteban Ocon, Alpine (+1 Lap)

  14. Valtteri Bottas, Sauber (+1 Lap)

  15. Zhou Guanyu, Sauber (+1 Lap)

  16. Liam Lawson, RB (+1 Lap)

  17. Sergio Pérez, Red Bull (+1 Lap)

Ret. Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin (+56 Laps)

Ret. Alexander Albon, Williams (+71 Laps)

Ret. Yuki Tsunoda, RB (+71 Laps)


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