Verstappen started second and took the lead from pole holder Sainz from the start.
On the other hand, the first round was marked by a warning due to the contact between Yuki Tsunoda and Alex Albon; This resulted in a collision for Tsundona and retirement for Albon, whose car was mishandled.
The restart was tense and for a second consecutive week the title contenders clashed.
Norris was penalized a week ago at the United States Grand Prix for forcing Verstappen off the track – a penalty that has given the world champion the last podium spot for the past three years.
It also allowed Verstappen to widen his lead in the drivers’ standings to 57 points ahead of Sunday’s race.
The roles have changed this time: Verstappen received a 10-second penalty for hitting Norris’s wheels and forcing him off the track.
He then received a second 10-second penalty for gaining ground while leaving the track, making a combined penalty of 20 seconds, to be served during his first pit stop.
When he stopped from third place on lap 27, his mechanics were unable to start work before the 20-second penalty was served.
He had moved up to 15th when he rejoined the race.
Although Verstappen rallied to finish sixth, Norris spoiled what appeared to be a tidal wave for Ferrari by snatching second place from Charles Leclerc, eight laps from the finish.
Norris is 47 points behind Verstappen, with four races remaining.
And the other pilots
Leclerc finished third with Ferrari who, like McLaren, are trying to dethrone Red Bull for the lucrative constructors’ championship.
Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finished fourth and fifth.
Kevin Magnussen finished seventh for Haas, followed by McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, Haas’ Nico Hülkenberg and Alpine’s Pierre Gasly.
Sainz obtained the fourth victory of his career and the second of the season, he who will be replaced by Hamilton at Ferrari in 2025.
Sainz had never won two races in a season.
“It was a masterful lesson,” the Ferrari team told Sainz.
“Thank you, that feels good,” replied Sainz, who seemed moved. I’m really happy. Gracias, Mexico.”
Sergio Perez had a long day from the start of his home race.
The Mexican, eliminated in the first round of qualifying and starting in 18th position, gained five positions at the start.
However, he received a five-second penalty for leaving his box at the start.
He fell back to 16th place and ranked 17th.
Fernando Alonso’s 400th Formula 1 start was short-lived: he brought his Aston Martin back to the garage on lap 16.
He finished 18th; the team said its Aston Martin’s brakes were overheating.
Canadian Lance Stroll finished in 11th position with this same team, after starting 14th.