{"id":157759,"date":"2025-10-27T07:49:12","date_gmt":"2025-10-27T06:49:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/autobaak.nl\/?p=157759"},"modified":"2025-10-27T07:49:12","modified_gmt":"2025-10-27T06:49:12","slug":"norris-wins-mexico-gp-thanks-to-perfect-start-and-control","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/autobaak.nl\/en\/norris-wins-mexico-gp-thanks-to-perfect-start-and-control\/","title":{"rendered":"Norris wins Mexico GP thanks to perfect start and control"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary<\/h2>\n

Lando Norris dominated the Mexican Grand Prix. His start was flawless. He then kept up the pace and made McLaren's advantage final. Meanwhile, brief chaos ensued behind him. That led to damage, a penalty and strategic choices that further determined the outcome.<\/p>\n

The crucial start<\/h2>\n

Norris started excellently. He braked slightly back to neutralise the slipstream effect of trailing cars and blocked the inside line. This kept Lewis Hamilton behind him and allowed him to gain speed immediately. In this way, he immediately converted his big qualifying advantage into control in the race.<\/p>\n

Friction between top teams<\/h2>\n

The start created a tight situation between Ferrari and Red Bull. Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen touched briefly when one of the Red Bulls was on the kerb. The damage was limited, but the position quickly changed. Verstappen and Leclerc gave each other space moments later so Norris retained the lead.<\/p>\n

The Hamilton-Verstappen incident<\/h2>\n

Soon after, things escalated between Hamilton and Verstappen. There were several duels on the lap after. Verstappen put in a late brake action, the wheels hit each other and Hamilton drove a bit through the exit lane. According to the rules, Hamilton had to give back the position. As another driver took advantage at the same time, Hamilton refused to give back two spots. Race control gave him a 10-second penalty time at his pit stop. That penalty ended up costing him many places in the pack.<\/p>\n

Strategy and links<\/h2>\n

Tyre choice and stints determined the course of the middle group. Many teams started on the soft tyre. Verstappen had chosen medium and therefore struggled with less grip in the first stint. He had to drive long so his second stint on soft tyres would not be too long.<\/p>\n

Norris was given his soft tyres for 35 laps. That was well longer than many competitors. This allowed McLaren to control the race and drive freely. Red Bull dared Verstappen to come in late, allowing him to attack and overtake with fresh soft tyres in the closing stages.<\/p>\n

Notable achievements<\/h2>\n

One of the surprises was Ollie Bearman in the Haas. He started from far up front and was in an excellent position in the early stages. He managed to pass several fast drivers and rode along in the front group for a long time. Oscar Piastri also stayed in character behind his strong teammate Norris and lost a lot of time due to traffic and the wrong moments to attack.<\/p>\n

Key moments in a nutshell<\/h3>\n