Overview
- Lando Norris dominated the Mexican Grand Prix to move one point ahead of McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, with Max Verstappen recovering to third to keep his title hopes alive with four races and two sprint events remaining.
- Newly published team‑radio audio captured Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton condemning first‑corner shortcuts, echoing George Russell’s complaint that drivers could run off without consequences.
- Stewards issued no start penalties after multiple cars, including Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, cut the run‑off; expert analysis argued Leclerc was the only driver who clearly gained, while Hamilton later received 10 seconds for a separate shortcut that breached rejoin instructions.
- Martin Brundle said Verstappen and Leclerc should have been penalized to deter repeat offenses, whereas Jacques Villeneuve argued current rules were followed, prompting calls for stronger enforcement or physical fixes such as higher kerbs, gravel, a speed‑limited rejoin zone or layout changes.
- Strategy scrutiny grew at McLaren after a reactive second stop left Piastri mired in traffic and likely cost a podium, a decision the team defended as a response to undercut threats, as attention now turns to Interlagos where Verstappen has unveiled a Brazil‑themed helmet.