Mexico GP Race Report

It was a party atmosphere in Mexico, although not for Hamilton, who was booed the whole weekend.  There was great hope that the new design regulations would enable more overtaking here.

It was a good start for everyone, no incidents, Verstappen maintaining his lead but not completely unchallenged.  Russell went for it but after a few corners his team mate passed him and left him to battle Perez.  Selflessly, he let the home hero past for a podium position.

Gasly forced Stroll off the track and was awarded a 5 second penalty.  The team had a new chance this race to see if they can serve a penalty correctly.

There was no way Perez was going to have a good race.  When that many people are cheering you on, there's only one thing that will happen in Formula 1.  It started with a poor first pit stop.  Then slight trouble with his DRS wing, but it came back and he was easily able to overtake the Ferrari of LeClerc.   Sainz also had a troubled pit stop.

Hamilton came out from his pit stop behind Verstappen, who had pitted before.  Russell decided to stay out.  Unfortunately he didn't stay out that long and came out of his pit in 4th.

One of the most interesting tussles of the race was between Tsunoda and Ricciardo.  The Australian was just out for a battle and ended up sending the Alpha Tauri over his front wheel putting him out of the race.  The McLaren served a 10 second penalty for the incident.

Alonso retired at the side of the track and brought out a Virtual Safety Car but his car was cleared very tricky and no one  was able to take a cheap pit stop.

The final lap crept up on me, with Verstappen claiming victory and winning the most races in a season ever.  Hamilton was second and the Mexican third.  Unlucky and frustrated Russell finished 4th.  Miraculously Ricciardo stormed along and finished 7th, keeping 10 seconds ahead of Ocon to keep his place when the 10 second penalty was deducted and being crowned Driver of the Day in the most unexpected twist of the season.  He was also ahead of his team mate, which have been the first time since his win at Monza last year.

In other surprising finishes, Albon was 12th in his Williams.

It wasn't the most exciting of races and more overtaking had been predicted.  It was a shame that when Gasly and Ricciardo did overtake and it went slightly awry, they were penalised, which would also discourage overtaking attempts in the future.  The Ferrari drivers were very downhearted about being one minute behind the Red Bulls