F1 Mexican Grand Prix RESULT: Race updates as Max Verstappen beats Lewis Hamilton

Charles Leclerc saw off team-mate Carlos Sainz by just 0.067 seconds as Ferrari locked out the front row for Sunday’s Mexican Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen improved on his final run at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez but could not usurp the Ferrari drivers, finishing 0.097 sec adrift.

• F1 fan banned for life after attacking Ferrari supporters in Mexico

The triple world champion also faces a nervous wait to see if he is moved down the grid after being summoned to see the stewards.

Verstappen, charged with impeding on the pit exit, was among four drivers who was hauled in front of the race officials, but only Logan Sargeant received a penalty.

Follow reaction from the Mexican Grand Prix with The Independent

F1 MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX - RACE UPDATES

• Max Verstappen wins the Mexico City Grand Prix; Hamilton 2nd; Leclerc 3rd

• Click HERE for the top-10

• F1 fan banned for life after attacking Ferrari supporters in Mexico

• Charles Leclerc booed by Mexican fans after race

• RED FLAG! Kevin Magnussen’s car on fire after high-speed crash

• LAP 1/71: Max Verstappen takes lead from Charles Leclerc from lights out

• LAP 1/71: Sergio Perez retires from home race after colliding with Leclerc

• Charles Leclerc started on pole, leading a surprise Ferrari one-two

• Lance Stroll started in the pit lane for the second week running

• EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW - F1 icon Willy T Ribbs: ‘There were death threats – but I was never going to play the victim’

Lewis Hamilton after finishing P2:

Sunday 29 October 2023 23:48 , Kieran Jackson

“I wasn’t expecting that today! It’s a good feeling when you’re putting one foot after the other. This weekend we were really digging deep to get the setup right. To progress so well throughout the early stages of the race and get second place was amazing, I was really happy with the race.

“I am incredibly proud of my team, I have total faith in the team. I know we can build a great car, we haven’t the last two years. We are progressing, but I’ve heard Red Bull are as well. We have to be really strategic and clinical, they’re so quick on the straights. I’m ready, if we can get the car that can match them, we’ll have some great battles next year.”

Sergio Perez lasts just 14 seconds in home race as Max Verstappen wins in Mexico

Sunday 29 October 2023 23:29 , Kieran Jackson

Race report

Max Verstappen equalled Alain Prost’s tally of 51 victories with an emphatic triumph at the Mexican Grand Prix – as Sergio Perez’s home race came to a sorry end after just 14 seconds.

Verstappen’s remarkable winning sequence, which now includes a record 16 in one season, continued in the breathless Mexico City air following two pulsating starts after Kevin Magnussen’s high-speed crash resulted in a reg flag at the midway stage of Sunday’s 71-lap race.

Verstappen mastered both getaways to draw alongside four-time world champion Prost, with only Lewis Hamilton (103 wins), Michael Schumacher (91) and Sebastian Vettel (53) ahead of the all-conquering Dutchman in Formula One folklore.

Hamilton impressed to finish runner-up, ahead of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. Lando Norris drove from 17th to fifth, passing George Russell with four laps remaining on a strong afternoon for the Brit, in an event that Perez will want to forget.

Sergio Perez lasts just 14 seconds in home race as Max Verstappen wins in Mexico

‘A lot of booing!’ Charles Leclerc reacts after jeers from Mexican fans

Sunday 29 October 2023 23:16 , Kieran Jackson

Charles Leclerc insisted he had “nowhere to go” after being booed by Mexican fans at the end of Sunday’s Mexico City Grand Prix.

Leclerc, who finished third, was jeered by Mexican fans in the stadium section after the race won by Max Verstappen.

The Ferrari man, who started on pole, was sandwiched in-between the Red Bull pair of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez at the start heading down into turn one.

Read more below:

‘A lot of booing!’ Charles Leclerc reacts after jeers from Mexican fans

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff:

Sunday 29 October 2023 23:06 , Kieran Jackson

On Hamilton’s race: “The smile on our face is because the car was strong. It’s been a few weekends now we’ve been saying ‘we could have’. We need to qualify better.

“It was a first today when he said the car was actually good.

“It gives us confidence, we just need to add performance for next year.”

Podium time!

Sunday 29 October 2023 22:52 , Kieran Jackson

The unusual feature of the podium being in the stadium section, so therefore not on the home straight!

What’s not unusual is the national anthem combination! For the 16th out of 19 races, it’s the Dutch and Austrian national anthems for Max Verstappen’s and Red Bull’s victory.

Charles Leclerc on incident with Sergio Perez:

Sunday 29 October 2023 22:41 , Kieran Jackson

“A lot of booing! Guys, honestly I had nowhere to go! Unfortunately I touched Checo, I had nowhere to go. It ended the race of Checo. It’s life, I’m disappointed to end the race of Checo, I honestly had nowhere to go!”

A bit sad about it, the Ferrari man...

Lewis Hamilton after finishing second:

Sunday 29 October 2023 22:29 , Kieran Jackson

“I feel fresh, we weren’t having to push crazy hard. Great result after starting sixth.

“I did some sweet finesse!”

Max Verstappen after winning a record 16th win this year:

Sunday 29 October 2023 22:20 , Kieran Jackson

“It’s been incredible, unfortunately Checo retired on lap one but the crowd stayed and they’ve been incredible.

“Incredible season, the pace of the car was very good. Those hard tyres at the end were very, very strong.”

TOP-10 IN THE MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX:

Sunday 29 October 2023 22:14 , Kieran Jackson

1) Max Verstappen

2) Lewis Hamilton (+fastest lap)

3) Charles Leclerc

4) Carlos Sainz

5) Lando Norris

6) George Russell

7) Daniel Ricciardo

8) Oscar Piastri

9) Alex Albon

10) Esteban Ocon

Max Verstappen wins the Mexico City Grand Prix!

Sunday 29 October 2023 22:08 , Kieran Jackson

Despite the red flag, it was a cruise for Max Verstappen! It’s his 16th win of the season! A 3rd win in a row for the Dutchman in Mexico!

Lewis Hamilton comes home second for Mercedes - and gets a fastest lap right at the end, quite impressively - while Charles Leclerc comes home third for Ferrari.

And George Russell keeps sixth from Daniel Ricciardo.

4-10: Sainz, Norris, Russell, Ricciardo, Piastri, Albon, Ocon

Max Verstappen starts his final lap (Lap 70/71)

Sunday 29 October 2023 22:05 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen then, 14.5 seconds clear, starts his final lap.

Daniel Ricciardo, in seventh, now right on the tail of George Russell - can the Aussie make another place up?!

Lando Norris gets it done for P5 (Lap 68/71)

Sunday 29 October 2023 22:02 , Kieran Jackson

George Russell got out of shape and Lando Norris get the move done, sneaking down the inside for P5!

Up 12 places from where he started! What a drive!

Lando Norris is within DRS of George Russell (Lap 65/71)

Sunday 29 October 2023 21:59 , Kieran Jackson

This could be fun!

Six laps to go and Lando Norris is now within a second of George Russell in fifth - this looks like being the highest remaining battle of the race.

Lewis Hamilton in second is, impressively, actually extending his gap to Charles Leclerc to eight seconds.

Lando Norris with a brilliant move on Daniel Ricciardo (Lap 60/71)

Sunday 29 October 2023 21:52 , Kieran Jackson

Lando Norris gets it done down into turn 4!

Down the outside and then inside, up to sixth - great racing! Move of the day!

Next in line for Lando? George Russell, 3.3 seconds down the road...

Lewis Hamilton has a five-second gap to Charles Leclerc (Lap 57/71)

Sunday 29 October 2023 21:50 , Kieran Jackson

With Max Verstappen 11.7 secs out in front, it’s now about the battle for second.

Lewis Hamilton is 5.4 secs clear of Charles Leclerc, but his medium tyres might just be dropping off now. Leclerc, to remind, is on hards.

Lando Norris, in seventh, is gradually catching his old team-mate Daniel Ricciardo in the AlphaTauri...

Lando Norris allowed to pass Oscar Piastri (Lap 55/71)

Sunday 29 October 2023 21:46 , Kieran Jackson

Norris right on the tail, under a second, from Piastri... and they decide to swap the cars.

Norris up to seventh now!

1-10: Verstappen, Hamilton, Leclerc, Sainz, Russell, Ricciardo, Norris, Piastri, Albon, Hulkenberg

Oscar Piastri and Yuki Tsunoda crash! (Lap 49/71)

Sunday 29 October 2023 21:37 , Kieran Jackson

Yuki Tsunoda goes for a spin at turn 1!

He goes down the outside on Oscar Piastri for seventh but cuts in too early, touching Piastri and going for a spin! He’s dropped down to second-last!

A nightmare for the Japanese driver!

George Russell right on the tail of Carlos Sainz (Lap 48/71)

Sunday 29 October 2023 21:36 , Kieran Jackson

This is the battle for fourth: Russell complaining about Sainz weaving down the straights.

But the Ferrari holding position for now.

Verstappen’s lead out in front, incidentally, is 7.6 secs.

Lewis Hamilton not confident on the mediums (Lap 43/71)

Sunday 29 October 2023 21:28 , Kieran Jackson

Hamilton: “It’s a long way to go on this stint.”

Bono: “We’ve got every chance here.”

Lewis Hamilton, in second, now 4.3 secs off Max Verstappen. It seems his race is with the Ferraris behind...

Lewis Hamilton takes second place! (Lap 400/71)

Sunday 29 October 2023 21:24 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton was close on a few occasions but finally gets it done!

He’s up to second place, taking Charles Leclerc late down the inside at turn 1!

He kicked up some dirt, too, in making that overtake! Hamilton needed that, given he’s on the medium tyres...

Lando Norris drops down to 14th! (Lap 38/71)

Sunday 29 October 2023 21:21 , Kieran Jackson

Pretty dreadful start from the McLaren, he’s dropped four places after losing out at the start!

1-10: Verstappen, Leclerc, Hamilton, Sainz, Russell, Ricciardo, Piastri, Tsunoda, Albon, Hulkenberg

Max Verstappen keeps the lead! (Lap 37/71)

Sunday 29 October 2023 21:19 , Kieran Jackson

It’s lights out again and Max Verstappen gets the best reaction time!

He’s quicker than the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc and keeps the lead after turn 1 - but Leclerc does well to fend off Lewis Hamilton in third!

Further back, George Russell is up to fifth from seventh!

Race resumes behind the safety car!

Sunday 29 October 2023 21:14 , Kieran Jackson

The pack of 18 now is led around by the safety car to begin with, but it will be a standing start when they’re back round on the straight!

Can anyone get a jump on Verstappen - on hards - at the start? Charles Leclerc is on hards, while Lewis Hamilton is on mediums in third. Can either of them get a bit of a launch...

Kevin Magnussen’s car catches fire after high-speed crash in Mexico

Sunday 29 October 2023 21:12 , Kieran Jackson

Kevin Magnussen’s car caught fire after a high-speed crash at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

The Haas driver, running midway through the order, lost control at turn nine on lap 34 of the race.

His car slammed at around 130mph into the barrier but the Danish driver escaped unharmed, if a little shaken.

Kevin Magnussen’s car catches fire after high-speed crash in Mexico

Sergio Perez after retiring:

Sunday 29 October 2023 21:10 , Kieran Jackson

“I had a tremendous start, the gap was there. I had the chance to take the lead, I went for it - I wasn’t expecting Charles to be in the middle and to brake that late. There was simply no room for three cars, it was a racing incident.

“Especially at your home grand prix, and two times on the podium, wanted to give it all - totally went for it. It’s really sad but I’m extremely proud of myself and the team. We had the best start of the year, we just went for it.

“Our pace is there, we knew what was wrong. The results will come, I’m not concerned about it - I’m more sad with the end result.”

BREAKING: The race will resume at 9:13pm (BST)

Sunday 29 October 2023 21:05 , Kieran Jackson

Just under 10 minutes time until the race resumes. The car and barrier all fixed at turn 9...

Here’s the full order during this stoppage!

Sunday 29 October 2023 21:03 , Kieran Jackson

1) Max Verstappen

2) Charles Leclerc

3) Lewis Hamilton

4) Carlos Sainz

5) Daniel Ricciardo

6) Oscar Piastri

7) George Russell

8) Yuki Tsunoda

9) Nico Hulkenberg

10) Lando Norris

11) Pierre Gasly

12) Alex Albon

13) Zhou Guanyu

14) Esteban Ocon

15) Logan Sargeant

16) Valtteri Bottas

17) Lance Stroll

18) Fernando Alonso

OUT) Kevin Magnussen, Sergio Perez

RED FLAG!

Sunday 29 October 2023 20:54 , Kieran Jackson

As we expected, it’s a red flag in Mexico City!

Yep, makes sense. That car is banged up and was on fire briefly. They’ll need to clean that up at turn nine..

1-10: Verstappen, Leclerc, Hamilton, Sainz, Ricciardo, Piastri, Russell, Tsunoda, Hulkenberg, Norris

Norris losing out slightly there, because he pitted. Verstappen did too, but kept first.

SAFETY CAR! (Lap 33/71)

Sunday 29 October 2023 20:51 , Kieran Jackson

Wow - a very high-speed crash at turn 9 for Haas’ Kevin Magnussen!

He looks sore, but is out of the car. SAFETY CAR deployed.

Can anyone take advantage?

Whisper it quietly, it could even be a red-flag here...

Ferrari pit both cars (Lap 32/71)

Sunday 29 October 2023 20:50 , Kieran Jackson

Bang on cue, Ferrari pit their men - one lap after the other.

Leclerc comes out in second, 2.7 secs clear of Hamilton who has overtaken Sainz, now in fourth.

However, the Ferrari tyres are around seven laps newer... we shall see..

Verstappen’s lead out in front? Already 16.5 secs. Jeez...

Max Verstappen takes second place (Lap 29/71)

Sunday 29 October 2023 20:45 , Kieran Jackson

Very simple for the Red Bull on fresher tyres, he’s up to second!

Seems a bit baffling that Ferrari are keeping both their cars out on track when fresher tyres give such superior speed!

George Russell not happy (Lap 28/71)

Sunday 29 October 2023 20:44 , Kieran Jackson

The Mercedes man not happy about being pitted and coming out behind Alex Albon in eighth...

Max Verstappen up to third (Lap 27/71)

Sunday 29 October 2023 20:42 , Kieran Jackson

Verstappen smoothly past Ricciardo and back up to third.

Still no signs of a pit stop from either Ferrari. Verstappen now only 2.4 secs behind Sainz...

Lewis Hamilton pits (Lap 25/71)

Sunday 29 October 2023 20:39 , Kieran Jackson

Mercedes go for the undercut on Carlos Sainz then, with Lewis Hamilton pitting.

A 2.5 sec pit stop - and a big out lap for the Brit! He slots into seventh.

Max Verstappen takes fifth place (Lap 23/71)

Sunday 29 October 2023 20:35 , Kieran Jackson

Easy does it for Max Verstappen with fresher tyres heading into turn one, cruising past George Russell.

And a lap later he does the same move on Oscar Piastri. He’s up to P5.

No more signs of pit stops from the frontrunners, interesting.

Max Verstappen pits (Lap 20/71)

Sunday 29 October 2023 20:32 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen is the first to dive into the pits!

Onto hards - a 2.4 sec stop - and he comes out in clean air in seventh, behind George Russell.

Will that take him to the end of the race? We’ll wait and see...

Charles Leclerc to be investigated after the race (Lap 19/71)

Sunday 29 October 2023 20:30 , Kieran Jackson

Leclerc will be investigated for driving in an unsafe condition after that collision with Perez and a loose end-plate.

Here we go again...

As for Verstappen, 4.2 secs ahead: “These tyres are coming off mate.”

Pit stops incoming? Maybe a few more laps to go...

Fernando Alonso fined €100 for speeding in the pit lane

Sunday 29 October 2023 20:25 , Kieran Jackson

I don’t think Fernando Alonso will be too bothered about that!

He’s fined €100 for speeding in the pit lane during the laps to the grid. More significantly for him, he’s swapped positions with Lance Stroll down in 15th and 16th - looks like it’s going to be a bit of a fruitless weekend for Aston Martin.

Where has their early season pace gone?

Lando Norris pits (Lap 13/71)

Sunday 29 October 2023 20:23 , Kieran Jackson

Lando Norris comes in early doors, ditches his softs for hards, and comes out in 18th - ahead of Yuki Tsunoda (who has just set the fastest lap, oddly!)

1-10: Verstappen, Leclerc, Sainz, Hamilton, Ricciardo, Piastri, Russell, Hulkenberg, Gasly, Zhou

Lewis Hamilton squeezes past Daniel Ricciardo (Lap 12/71)

Sunday 29 October 2023 20:20 , Kieran Jackson

Valiant few laps of defence from Daniel Ricciardo but, finally, Lewis Hamilton squeezes through down the inside into turn one - he’s up to fourth!

At the front, it’s all looking pretty set for Max Verstappen already - he’s 3.2 secs out in front of Charles Leclerc and has just set the fastest lap.

Further back, Lando Norris is up to 14th - but perhaps isn’t making up the ground wanted in the first 12 laps of this race.

Lewis Hamilton right on the tail of Daniel Ricciardo (Lap 7/71)

Sunday 29 October 2023 20:15 , Kieran Jackson

The Mercedes very close to the AlphaTauri in fourth... when will he make a move?! Hamilton can’t quite make it stick heading into turn one.

Verstappen’s lead to Leclerc is 1.9 seconds.

1-10: Verstappen, Leclerc, Sainz, Ricciardo, Hamilton, Piastri, Russell, Hulkenberg, Gasly, Zhou

Virtual safety car!

Sunday 29 October 2023 20:11 , Kieran Jackson

The front-wing end-plate of Charles Leclerc, caused by that contact with Sergio Perez, is in a precarious position on track so a virtual safety car is deployed.

Race neutralised.

Incidentally, Sergio Perez is still in his cockpit just to see if Red Bull can repair his sidepod - but he’s already five laps down! His race is run... and he’s close to tears...

Sergio Perez is OUT!

Sunday 29 October 2023 20:09 , Kieran Jackson

The Red Bull driver bangs his wheel in the pit lane - he’s got damage which cannot be repaired! A big chunk in his sidepod!

A nightmare for the Mexican!

It was kind of on for Perez down the outside on Leclerc, but he just clips the Ferrari’s wheel as he goes around the outside! He needed to give Leclerc more room!

It won’t be investigated by the stewards.

1-10: Verstappen, Leclerc, Sainz, Ricciardo, Hamilton, Piastri, Russell, Hulkenberg, Gasly, Zhou

Lando Norris up to 15th from 17th after four laps...

Max Verstappen leads after turn one!

Sunday 29 October 2023 20:06 , Kieran Jackson

It’s lights out - and Max Verstappen leads into turn one!

And Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez collide on the outside, with Perez off track! Nightmare for the home hero - you can hear the groans from the crowd!

Leclerc’s front wing is broken! He’ll surely have to pit...

Verstappen sliced right through the middle of both Ferraris...

Formation lap!

Sunday 29 October 2023 20:02 , Kieran Jackson

So Charles Leclerc leads the pack down the very long straight into turn one for the formation lap.

The top-13 are all on medium tyres, with Alex Albon and Esteban Ocon in 14th and 15th on hards. Lando Norris is the sole car on softs, down in 17th!

Fernando Alonso, incidentally, is under investigation for speeding in the pit lane on his laps to the grid. Think he’ll get away with a fine, though...

It’s almost time! First lap is pivotal here...

A reminder of the grid for the Mexico City Grand Prix:

Sunday 29 October 2023 19:58 , Kieran Jackson

1) Charles Leclerc

2) Carlos Sainz

3) Max Verstappen

4) Daniel Ricciardo

5) Sergio Perez

6) Lewis Hamilton

7) Oscar Piastri

8) George Russell

9) Valtteri Bottas

10) Zhou Guanyu

11) Pierre Gasly

12) Nico Hulkenberg

13) Fernando Alonso

14) Alex Albon

15) Esteban Ocon

16) Kevin Magnussen

17) Lando Norris

18) Yuki Tsunoda*

19) Logan Sargeant**

Pit lane) Lance Stroll***

*Yuki Tsunoda received a grid drop after changing his power unit

**Logan Sargeant received a penalty after a yellow flag offence in qualifying

***Lance Stroll starts in the pit lane after Aston Martin changed the floor and other parts on his car

Five minutes from the Mexico City Grand Prix!

Sunday 29 October 2023 19:55 , Kieran Jackson

We’re all set in Mexico City!

Charles Leclerc is on pole, alongside his team-mate Carlos Sainz. Max Verstappen is in P3 - in 2021 here, he went from third to first after turn one, can he do similar here?!

Daniel Ricciardo is a surprise name in fourth and he’ll be wanting to impress the decision makers at Red Bull, especially with Sergio Perez behind him in fifth.

Plenty to ponder ahead of lights out!

Here’s your front row tonight!

Sunday 29 October 2023 19:52 , Kieran Jackson

Who will lead after turn one? Will Carlos Sainz pull a move on his team-mate Charles Leclerc?

Lando Norris:

Sunday 29 October 2023 19:50 , Kieran Jackson

“Team haven’t told me what’s possible because it’s impossible! Pace is good, I’m looking forward to it - we’re obviously out of position, a lot of things to manage but plenty to look forward to.

“We have to do something different, maybe go long and wait for everybody to box...”

He starts P17...

Red Bull boss Christian Horner:

Sunday 29 October 2023 19:48 , Kieran Jackson

“Sergio’s confidence has been higher this weekend, he’s pumped off he’s got so much support. To be within a tenth or two of his team-mate in qualifying was a good effort.

“It’s going to be a fascinating strategic race, traditionally a one-stop race. There’s going to be a lot of pace management at the beginning of this race.

“You want to go as fast as you can without killing the tyres. We’re running OK on the cooling, it’s very tough but I think we’ve got the levels right.”

Time for the Mexico national anthem!

Sunday 29 October 2023 19:45 , Kieran Jackson

In front of a record crowd, the Mexico national anthem is belted out on the pit straight!

No doubt everyone standing loud and proud in the iconic stadium section too!

Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur:

Sunday 29 October 2023 19:41 , Kieran Jackson

“It’s most important to focus on ourselves, how we manage the race - Verstappen can do what he wants.”

What a photo!

Sunday 29 October 2023 19:37 , Kieran Jackson

Can Sergio Perez claim a podium place for the third year running in Mexico?

Or maybe even a shock win in front of what is a record capacity crowd in Mexico City of 400.39, up from 395,000 last year.

F1 icon Willy T Ribbs: ‘There were death threats – but I was never going to play the victim’

Sunday 29 October 2023 19:30 , Kieran Jackson

Exclusive interview by Kieran Jackson

As often was the case amid an American society embedded in racism in the 1980s, Muhammad Ali put it best. Advising black racing driver Willy T Ribbs, the people’s champion made his point in no uncertain terms: “There are Blacks in my sport. But there are no Blacks in your sport. They’re going to want to kill you.”

Yet for all the death threats, discrimination and abuse, Ribbs had long decided that the only option was to meet the uphill battle head-on. He made history in 1986 when he became the first Black driver to test an F1 car. Five years later, he was the first to race in the Indy 500, one of the world’s most famous events.

But on the course of that journey, Ribbs faced it all. Don’t let me tell you though; let the man himself.

Full interview below:

Willy T Ribbs: ‘There were death threats – but I was never going to play the victim’

Mexican Grand Prix winner odds!

Sunday 29 October 2023 19:23 , Kieran Jackson

Fancy a flutter?

Max Verstappen - 2/9

Sergio Perez - 10/1

Charles Leclerc - 14/1

Lewis Hamilton - 16/1

Carlos Sainz - 25/1

Oscar Piastri - 33/1

George Russell - 40/1

Daniel Ricciardo - 100/1

Lando Norris - 100/1

Valtteri Bottas - 100/1

Alex Albon - 250/1

Fernando Alonso - 250/1

Guanyu Zhou - 250/1

Pierre Gasly - 250/1

Esteban Ocon - 350/1

Lance Stroll - 1500/1

Nico Hulkenberg - 1500/1

Yuki Tsunoda - 1500/1

Kevin Magnussen - 2500/1

Logan Sargeant - 2500/1

Odds provided by OLBG

Charles Leclerc leads shock Ferrari front row at Mexican Grand Prix

Sunday 29 October 2023 19:14 , Kieran Jackson

Qualifying report below

Charles Leclerc saw off team-mate Carlos Sainz by just 0.067 seconds as Ferrari locked out the front row for Sunday’s Mexican Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen improved on his final run at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez but could not usurp the Ferrari drivers, finishing 0.097 sec adrift.

The triple world champion also faces a nervous wait to see if he is moved down the grid after being summoned to see the stewards.

Verstappen, charged with impeding on the pit exit, is among four drivers who will be hauled in front of the race officials.

Full report below:

Charles Leclerc leads shock Ferrari front row at Mexican Grand Prix

Driver Standings ahead of the Mexican GP:

Sunday 29 October 2023 19:04 , Kieran Jackson

1) Max Verstappen - 466 points (champion)

2) Sergio Perez - 240 points

3) Lewis Hamilton - 201 points

4) Fernando Alonso - 183 points

5) Carlos Sainz - 171 points

6) Lando Norris - 159 points

7) Charles Leclerc - 151 points

8) George Russell - 143 points

9) Oscar Piastri - 83 points

10) Pierre Gasly - 56 points

11) Lance Stroll - 53 points

12) Esteban Ocon - 44 points

13) Alex Albon - 25 points

14) Valtteri Bottas - 10 points

15) Nico Hulkenberg - 9 points

16) Yuki Tsunoda - 8 points

17) Zhou Guanyu - 6 points

18) Kevin Magnussen - 3 points

19) Liam Lawson - 2 points

20) Logan Sargeant - 1 point

21) Nyck de Vries - 0 points

22) Daniel Ricciardo - 0 points

How Sergio Perez can silence doubters and retain 2024 Red Bull seat

Sunday 29 October 2023 18:55 , Kieran Jackson

Weekend preview by Kieran Jackson

Six months ago, it was all so rosy for Red Bull. Four races into the 2023 season and it was two apiece for Max Verstappen and Sergio ‘Checo’ Perez, with the Mexican seemingly signalling his intent to be a genuine contender for the championship with a sprint and race victory in Azerbaijan. After all, no car could come close to the speed generated by Red Bull design-guru Adrian Newey and his team of top-tier engineers this season.

Even in Miami a week later, Perez looked set to take the lead in the standings after claiming pole position, with Verstappen down in ninth. But since the Dutchman stormed to victory, propelling past his team-mate with relative ease, it has been one-way traffic. And while Verstappen has won every race bar one since then, amid an unprecedented winning streak, Perez’s form has fallen off a cliff.

Since Miami, Perez has recorded just four podiums in 13 races in the fastest car on the grid – and none in his last four meets. On the contrary to challenging Verstappen for the title, he is now looking over his shoulder as he tries to seal second place.

Full piece below:

How Sergio Perez can silence doubters and retain 2024 Red Bull seat

Driver Standings ahead of the Mexican GP:

Sunday 29 October 2023 18:39 , Kieran Jackson

1) Max Verstappen - 466 points (champion)

2) Sergio Perez - 240 points

3) Lewis Hamilton - 201 points

4) Fernando Alonso - 183 points

5) Carlos Sainz - 171 points

6) Lando Norris - 159 points

7) Charles Leclerc - 151 points

8) George Russell - 143 points

9) Oscar Piastri - 83 points

10) Pierre Gasly - 56 points

11) Lance Stroll - 53 points

12) Esteban Ocon - 44 points

13) Alex Albon - 25 points

14) Valtteri Bottas - 10 points

15) Nico Hulkenberg - 9 points

16) Yuki Tsunoda - 8 points

17) Zhou Guanyu - 6 points

18) Kevin Magnussen - 3 points

19) Liam Lawson - 2 points

20) Logan Sargeant - 1 point

21) Nyck de Vries - 0 points

22) Daniel Ricciardo - 0 points

Drivers parade in Mexico City!

Sunday 29 October 2023 18:25 , Kieran Jackson

The drivers are out being driven around at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez ahead of the race this evening.

A big day, you feel, for both these men. Daniel Ricciardo starts an impressive P4, with Sergio Perez behind him in fifth.

Constructors’ Championship ahead of the Mexican GP

Sunday 29 October 2023 18:17 , Kieran Jackson

1) Red Bull - 706 points (champions)

2) Mercedes - 344 points

3) Ferrari - 322 points

4) McLaren - 242 points

5) Aston Martin - 236 points

6) Alpine - 100 points

7) Williams - 26 points

8) Alfa Romeo - 16 points

9) Haas - 12 points

10) AlphaTauri - 10 points

BREAKING: Lance Stroll starts in the pit lane on his 25th birthday

Sunday 29 October 2023 18:11 , Kieran Jackson

The Aston Martin driver starts from the pit lane for the second week running after Aston Martin made late changes to his car once again.

Not the best 25th birthday present for the Canadian!

Who is Ollie Bearman? Essex boy with Italian twang making F1 history at Mexico City Grand Prix

Sunday 29 October 2023 18:00 , Kieran Jackson

Ollie Bearman was barely three months old when Fernando Alonso won his first world championship in 2005 – but on his Formula One debut in Mexico City, the Essex 18-year-old finished ahead of the double world champion.

“That was an added bonus,” he said with a broad smile.

On Friday, Bearman made history by becoming the youngest British driver to step foot in an F1 machine at a Grand Prix weekend. And he quietly impressed, too.

Full piece below:

Who is Ollie Bearman? Essex boy with Italian twang making F1 history

Driver Standings ahead of the Mexican GP:

Sunday 29 October 2023 17:46 , Kieran Jackson

1) Max Verstappen - 466 points (champion)

2) Sergio Perez - 240 points

3) Lewis Hamilton - 201 points

4) Fernando Alonso - 183 points

5) Carlos Sainz - 171 points

6) Lando Norris - 159 points

7) Charles Leclerc - 151 points

8) George Russell - 143 points

9) Oscar Piastri - 83 points

10) Pierre Gasly - 56 points

11) Lance Stroll - 53 points

12) Esteban Ocon - 44 points

13) Alex Albon - 25 points

14) Valtteri Bottas - 10 points

15) Nico Hulkenberg - 9 points

16) Yuki Tsunoda - 8 points

17) Zhou Guanyu - 6 points

18) Kevin Magnussen - 3 points

19) Liam Lawson - 2 points

20) Logan Sargeant - 1 point

21) Nyck de Vries - 0 points

22) Daniel Ricciardo - 0 points

Toto Wolff, speaking after qualifying:

Sunday 29 October 2023 17:35 , Kieran Jackson

“The margins are so fine. Ferrari out of nowhere, it’s about getting the out laps... it’s almost uncalculable, they’re so fragile the tyres.

“Ferrari jumped massive from Q2 to Q3, I think we are

“Lewis didn’t see the yellow, with George I didn’t see the pit lane.”

Lewis Hamilton is P6, with George Russell P8.

Charles Leclerc leads shock Ferrari front row at Mexican Grand Prix

Sunday 29 October 2023 17:28 , Kieran Jackson

Qualifying report below

Charles Leclerc saw off team-mate Carlos Sainz by just 0.067 seconds as Ferrari locked out the front row for Sunday’s Mexican Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen improved on his final run at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez but could not usurp the Ferrari drivers, finishing 0.097 sec adrift.

The triple world champion also faces a nervous wait to see if he is moved down the grid after being summoned to see the stewards.

Verstappen, charged with impeding on the pit exit, is among four drivers who will be hauled in front of the race officials.

Full report below:

Charles Leclerc leads shock Ferrari front row at Mexican Grand Prix

What is the grid for the Mexico City Grand Prix?

Sunday 29 October 2023 17:24 , Kieran Jackson

1) Charles Leclerc

2) Carlos Sainz

3) Max Verstappen

4) Daniel Ricciardo

5) Sergio Perez

6) Lewis Hamilton

7) Oscar Piastri

8) George Russell

9) Valtteri Bottas

10) Zhou Guanyu

11) Pierre Gasly

12) Nico Hulkenberg

13) Fernando Alonso

14) Alex Albon

15) Esteban Ocon

16) Kevin Magnussen

17) Lando Norris

18) Yuki Tsunoda*

19) Logan Sargeant**

Pit lane) Lance Stroll***

*Yuki Tsunoda received a grid drop after changing his power unit

**Logan Sargeant received a penalty after a yellow flag offence in qualifying

***Lance Stroll starts in the pit lane after Aston Martin changed the floor and other parts on his car

F1 Mexico City Grand Prix!

Sunday 29 October 2023 17:22 , Kieran Jackson

Good evening and welcome to live coverage of the Mexico City Grand Prix!

It’s an interesting grid tonight - Charles Leclerc is on pole with Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz alongside him on the front row. Max Verstappen starts P3, alongside AlphaTauri’s Daniel Ricciardo after a brilliant showing in qualifying.

Lewis Hamilton starts in sixth, with home favourite Sergio Perez in fifth.

Stay right here for all the build-up - lights out is at 8pm (GMT).

Goodbye!

Monday 30 October 2023 00:02 , Kieran Jackson

Thank you for joining us for coverage of this weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix!

We move on quickly to Brazil next week for the final sprint weekend of the season - join us again then!