Carlos Sainz elected driver of the day in Mexico
Carlos Sainz wins the Mexico Grand Prix with his Ferrari, securing his second victory of the season after the one he got at the Australian Grand Prix. The Italian team driver was able to take full advantage of the battles between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. A well-deserved driver of the day title for the Spaniard. Lando Norris finishes in second place while Charles Leclerc completes the podium with the fastest lap of the race, completed in 1'18"336.
Each in turn for the Ferrari drivers this season. After Charles Leclerc’s victory last weekend in Austin, ahead of his teammate Carlos Sainz, it’s the Spaniard’s turn to win at the Mexican Grand Prix. With Charles Leclerc in third place, Ferrari takes advantage of surpassing Red Bull in the constructors’ standings, marking a turning point in this end of the season. This success shows a significant progression for the Italian team which capitalizes on the consistency and competitiveness of its two drivers to move closer to the top positions.
Thank you Mexico, it’s incredible to live this, I really wanted this victory. For me, I had wanted it for a long time. I have already said it: ‘I wanted it before leaving Ferrari,’ explained a very moved Carlos Sainz after his victory.
At the start of the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix, Ferrari encountered difficulties, while Max Verstappen took the lead right from the first corner. Carlos Sainz, on the other hand, cut the trajectory around that corner, a risky move in the chaos of the first braking zone where cars quickly piled up. Alexander Albon collided with Yuki Tsunoda’s car of the Visa Cash App Racing Bull team, causing a major crash for the Japanese driver who had to retire from the race, as did Alex Albon. The safety car was immediately deployed. At that moment, the Dutchman was leading the race ahead of the Spaniard, followed by Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc. On the other hand, Sergio Pérez had improved his position by five places at the start but was penalized for a grid position infraction. During the restart, Max Verstappen remained in control, but on the ninth lap, Carlos Sainz overtook him at the first braking zone, taking the lead with a controlled maneuver. This intense race allowed Ferrari to showcase their competitiveness against Red Bull while maintaining the pressure in the standings.
Lewis Hamilton and George Russell’s Mercedes finished just off the podium at the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix marked by multiple incidents. A few laps after the first collision, Max Verstappen, who attempted two daring overtakes on Lando Norris, received a twenty-second penalty for dangerous driving, relegating the reigning champion to sixth place. This Grand Prix, full of twists and turns, showcased Ferrari with Carlos Sainz’s victory and his driver of the day status.
Fans’ votes:
Carlos Sainz – 27.2%
Lando Norris – 12.3%
Max Verstappen – 9.2%
Franco Colapinto – 8.1%
Charles Leclerc – 7.4%
