Five Takeaways: Mexico City Grand Prix
- Elaina Russell
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
Written by Elaina Russell, Edited by Marit Everett
The 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix delivered a spectacle of altitude, attrition, and a seismic shift in the championship standings. Lando Norris seized victory in commanding style to take the lead of the World Drivers’ Championship by a single point, while chaos reigned behind in a race that tested strategy, stamina, and self-control.
Here are DIVEBOMB’s five key takeaways from race weekend at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez circuit.
Norris climbs to the summit
Lando Norris finally stands back at the top of the championship table—but only just. After a flawless pole lap on Saturday, the McLaren driver converted it into his sixth Grand Prix win of the season, executing a near-perfect drive that blended composure with clinical pace.
Norris launched cleanly at lights out, resisting pressure from the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton into Turn 1 as chaos erupted behind. From there, he controlled the race with maturity beyond measure, managing his tyres and the gap with ease in otherwise turbulent conditions.
“What a race,” Norris noted at the chequered flag. “Good start, good launch, good first lap and I could go from there.”
The results put him one point clear of teammate Oscar Piastri, marking the first time this season the Australian has been dethroned as championship leader.
Championship pressure mounts for Piastri and Verstappen
While Mexico City saw Norris shine, for teammate Oscar Piastri the weekend marked yet another instance of quiet frustration. For the fourth weekend running, McLaren’s Australian ace lacked the edge that has defined his year, the drought stretching longer than anyone in Woking would expect.
"I think the last couple of races have been surprising in terms of the pace," Piastri admitted following his seventh place finish.
Meanwhile, Max Verstappen’s third place finish kept his faint title hopes, but offered little solace after early contact and difficulty managing tyres. The Red Bull driver remains within striking distance, 36 points adrift, but the momentum has shifted once more.
At this stage of the season, it’s not just about pace; it’s about poise. And right now, Norris seems to have both.
Turn 1 chaos changes everything
Mexico City’s long run into the first turn once again delivered drama. Four cars—Norris, Leclerc, Hamilton, and Verstappen—dove through Turn 1, each unwilling to yield. What followed was pure mayhem.
Later in the race, Turns 1-4 saw Verstappen and Hamilton battle it out, ending with Hamilton ahead and Verstappen back, fighting with the Haas of Ollie Bearman. The scene was investigated, with Hamilton handed a ten-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage, while Verstappen escaped without sanction. The Ferrari driver’s recovery drive to eighth was spirited but ultimately limited, while Verstappen salvaged third.
Ferrari’s split fortunes continue
Another weekend, another tale of two Ferraris. Charles Leclerc had an exceptional weekend, tailing Norris throughout the contest to secure second place—his second podium in a row. The Monegasque’s start was razor-sharp, and his defensive work throughout was textbook precision.
Lewis Hamilton, in contrast, endured a bruising afternoon. Battles with Verstappen and the subsequent penalty derailed what could have been his maiden win with the Tifosi.
"Today didn’t go the way I hoped,” Hamilton stated post-race.
Still, Ferrari banked solid points, though they once again leave wondering what may have been. Ferrari remain in contention for second in the Constructors’, but consistency continues to be their elusive prize.
Haas’ golden run continues
Few stories have been as quietly impressive this season as Haas’ late charge—and in Mexico, it continued. Oliver Bearman produced yet another stunning drive, finishing fourth after running among the frontrunners for much of the afternoon.
His defensive craft, tyre management and race reading were exemplary, marking him as one of the standout rookies of 2025.
Teammate Esteban Ocon also banked some points finishing ninth, sealing the teams’ third points-scoring finish in as many races. For a midfield outfit long plagued by inconsistencies, the turnaround is striking. Haas have found rhythm, reliability and momentum at precisely the right time.
Looking Ahead
As Formula One heads to Brazil, the championship couldn’t be tighter. Norris and Piastri are separated by a single point, Verstappen lurks in the shadows and Ferrari’s improved form threatens to throw another variable into the mix.
With just five rounds and two sprints remaining, every lap, pit call and strategic decision will decide the destiny of the 2025 F1 World Championships.
