Overview
- Carlos Sainz and team principal James Vowles said contact with Liam Lawson on lap one damaged the rim and wheel‑speed sensors, causing vibrations and compromising tyre life.
- With the pit limiter unreliable, Sainz sped in the pit lane by 0.2 km/h at his first stop for a five‑second penalty and by 9.8 km/h at his second stop, which earned a drive‑through.
- Sainz had qualified seventh but started 12th due to a five‑place grid drop carried over from Austin, leaving him to attempt a recovery drive in Mexico City.
- Late in the race he half‑spun while chasing Lance Stroll and parked in the stadium section, triggering a Virtual Safety Car that neutralised the closing laps and drew criticism he disputed.
- Vowles said that without the drive‑through, Sainz still had the pace to fight for a point despite the earlier damage and five‑second penalty.