Mexican Grand Prix Preview
Mexican Grand Prix: Verstappen looks to increase lead over Hamilton while Perez targets home success
By Oli Dickson Jefford
Two weeks after Max Verstappen prevailed at the US Grand Prix in Austin, the Dutchman hopes to extend his title lead over Lewis Hamilton at the Mexican Grand Prix in Mexico City.
Not held last year, the race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez returns this Sunday much to the delight of drivers, global fans and the raucous Mexican fans who pack the grandstands.
Circuit Profile: Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez first held the Mexican Grand Prix in 1986 and did so until 1992, when it was removed from the F1 calendar.
However, when F1 decided to return to Mexico in 2015 it was the obvious choice to host the showpiece event and is back in action again in 2021, 59 years after it first opened.
Nico Rosberg won when it first returned in 2015 though Hamilton and Verstappen who have won every edition since, the Dutchman prevailing in 2017 and 2018 and the Brit in 2016 and 2019.
Drivers will complete 71 laps of the 4.3km circuit this Sunday, a circuit that features 17 corners and a 1.2km straight on which the start and finish line is located.
The long straight and high altitude means that speeds of up to a staggering 230mph are possible, with Valtteri Bottas setting a lap record of 1:18.71s in 2018.
Title race watch: Verstappen favourite to extend advantage
An eighth win of 2021- and 18th career win overall- at the Circuit of the Americas saw Verstappen increase his lead over Hamilton as the Dutchman chases his first world title.
He now sits on 287.5 points, 12 points ahead of Hamiton who is chasing a record-breaking eighth crown.
The fact that the two have split the last four races in Mexico suggests this should be a hard-fought contest.
Momentum is currently with Verstappen, and one key advantage should head Red Bull’s way this weekend.
In high altitude Mercedes aero advantage will likely have less impact, meaning Verstappen and teammate Sergio Perez head into this weekend as favourites to win.
Perez looks for home success
Perez will undoubtedly be the fan favourite this weekend, with the 31-year-old previously receiving staggering levels of support at his home race.
He has finished in the points four out of the five times the Grand Prix has been held during his career and barring any incidents he should be well inside the points once again.
In the car best designed for this weekend’s conditions and fresh off back-to-back podiums after a rocky run of form, a third straight podium or perhaps even victory will be his target.
What else to look out for
Aside from racing at home, the Mexican star is also embroiled in a chase for third spot in the championship against Valtteri Bottas while holding off McLaren’s Lando Norris in fourth.
He should be able to keep Norris at bay for the rest of the season, though will be hoping to target Bottas who sits on 185 points compared to his 150.
Elsewhere, Charles Leclerc will look to extend his lead over Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz in an intriguing inter-team battle, while Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel will hope for a positive result after finishing tenth in Austin - his first points finish since Belgium five races prior.
Alpine stars Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon and AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda will also fancy getting into the points while Daniel Ricciardo will look to close the gap on teammate Norris.