Max Verstappen wins Mexico City Grand Prix, extends F1 title lead

MEXICO Metropolis — Max Verstappen stretched his guide more than Lewis Hamilton in the Method One time championship with a dominant victory Sunday at the Mexico Metropolis Grand Prix, and Crimson Bull teammate Sergio Perez finished 3rd to turn into the 1st Mexican driver to reach the podium in the background of the race.

Verstappen, who started off 3rd soon after battling in qualifying, now prospects Hamilton by 19 details with four races remaining in the time. Hamilton finished second and had to fight off Perez at the close to maintain on there.

Verstappen gained his ninth win of the time, second in a row and 3rd job victory in Mexico Metropolis. The 24-12 months-aged Dutchman is chasing his 1st job championship.

Hamilton is seeking a report eighth title, such as the very last four in a row. The British driver is at present tied with Michael Schumacher for most in F1 background.

Hamilton and teammate Valtteri Bottas pulled a large surprise in qualifying when the Mercedes teammates gained their 1st entrance-row lockout of the time. Bottas was on pole, Hamilton second and Verstappen and Perez in 3rd and fourth.

Their benefit didn’t very last by means of the 1st corner.

Verstappen bolted off his line at the start out and utilised the slip stream behind Bottas to snatch the guide into the 1st corner. Bottas, in the meantime, obtained tapped by McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo and his vehicle spun, dropping him to the again.

That remaining Hamilton in a Crimson Bull sandwich: Verstappen in entrance and Perez correct behind, with Bottas no lengthier in perform to help him protect his position.

And scarcely a 3rd into the race, Verstappen was zooming off into the length and Hamilton identified himself in a determined race with Perez to hold the important championship details necessary to hold Verstappen inside of sight more than the final thirty day period of the time.

The home group roared when Perez briefly led soon after Hamilton and Verstappen pitted for new tires. That manufactured him the 1st Mexican driver to guide the Mexico grand prix in race background. Perez gained a 3rd straight podium complete for the 1st time in his job.