Mexican Grand Prix | Carlos Sainz wins the Mexican Grand Prix with Ferrari

(Mexico) Carlos Sainz won the Mexican Grand Prix while Lando Norris closed the gap in the Formula 1 championship after another fierce battle with Max Verstappen on Sunday.

Verstappen started second and took the lead from Sainz from the start. The first lap, however, was marked by a caution due to contact between Yuki Tsunoda and Alex Albon; This resulted in a collision for Tsunoda and retirement for Albon, whose car was mishandled.

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The restart was tense and for the second week in a row 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 handed the last three-year world champion the final podium spot.

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, a combined penalty of 20 seconds, to be served during his first pit stop.

When Verstappen stopped from third place, at 27^e turn, his mechanics were unable to start work before the 20-second penalty was served; he was 15^e when he joined 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.

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 his 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 Pérez had a long day from the start of his home race.

The Mexican, eliminated in the first round of qualifying and starting in 18^e position, gained five places at the start.

However, he received a five-second penalty for leaving his box at the start. He fell back to 16^e place and ranked 17^e.

The 400^e Fernando Alonso’s departure in Formula 1 was short-lived: he brought his Aston Martin back to the garage at 16^e round. He finished 18^e ; the team said his car’s brakes were overheating.

Quebecer Lance Stroll finished in 11^e position with this same team, after leaving 14^e.