November 08, (THEWILL) – Sir Lewis Hamilton finished second in the Mexican Grand Prix, giving Max Verstappen a 19-point lead in the drivers’ standings.
With pole-sitter Valtteri Bottas tagged by Daniel Ricciardo, who had to pit for a new front wing, untypically Verstappen took the lead around Turn One from third on the grid.
Pit stops by Verstappen and Hamilton allowed Sergio Perez to briefly lead the race, becoming the first Mexican driver to lead a lap at the Mexican Grand Prix. However, Red Bull pitted him for new tyres soon after.
While a tumultuous first lap hinted at more excitement to come, much of the race was a procession as Mercedes struggled to cut the gap on the Red Bulls.
However, for the last 10 laps or so, Perez pursued Hamilton, much to the delight of the home crowd. Unfortunately, the Mexican driver was unable to pass the seven-time world champion, and Hamilton finished second.
But, the Brit loses out of cutting the lead of Red Bull as the season begins to wind down. Typically, the Mexican race has favoured Red Bull and it was no different this year. Hamilton was hoping to pick up from the next race but the Australian Grand Prix, which was supposed to take place on November 21, has been cancelled. There are other alternatives on the table to take its place.
As for the regular calendar, the Brazilian, Qatar and Saudi Arabia Grand Prix are next in line and Mercedes will be desirous to get back ahead of the racing pack to cut down on Verstappen’s 19-point gap.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
