Mexican Grand Prix - Race perspectives

Will Verstappen manage to break the historic record for most wins in a season?

He was thought to be struggling in this Grand Prix, but he managed to emerge at the perfect moment. Max Verstappen secured his 19th career pole position on Saturday, after a fierce battle against Mercedes and a flawless final lap.

The now double world champion will have a goal known to all: to win another victory and bring his total to 14 wins in this 2022 season, an unprecedented feat in Formula 1.

He will have a tough task facing the Silver Arrows, but Super Max has the resources and the mount to legitimately vie for this record that would permanently place him into the Pantheon of the Queen category.

Is it finally time for redemption for Mercedes?

This is THE good surprise of this Mexican weekend kickoff! Mercedes is back in the spotlight after a long time and without a mistake in his last lap, George Russell could have even secured his second career pole position after the one at the Hungaroring.

Hamilton was not left behind, as the seven-time world champion finishes third, only 5 thousandths of a second behind his teammate. A third place that is generally very good on the Hermanos Rodriguez circuit, considering the strong slipstream before the first corner.

Is it finally time for the German giant to put an end to the difficult times and to achieve its first victory of the year? The possibility is definitely well present!

Also read: Mexican Grand Prix - Predictions and presentation

Will Pérez be able to shine in the race?

Relegated to 4th place, nearly half a second behind his teammate, Sergio Pérez had a difficult qualifying session at home despite having high ambitions for his home race. While all is not yet lost, especially considering the specific start in Mexico, Checo will need to quickly step up his game in order to make an impact in his national Grand Prix and not be used as a strategic shield for Verstappen against the Mercedes.

Will he have the ability? Answer this Sunday.

Will Bottas breathe new life into Alfa Romeo?

He was not expected to be at such a party after Alfa Romeo's major setback, but what a performance once again from the Finn! The former teammate of Hamilton indulges in the luxury of overtaking Charles Leclerc's Ferrari, which is equipped with the same engine as him.

Author of a thunderous start to the season, possibly the best of his F1 career given his car, Bottas has since fallen behind at the wheel of a less and less performing Alfa Romeo.

He, who hasn't scored any points since the Canadian Grand Prix last June, has a golden opportunity to give a boost to the Clover brand, which has dangerously seen Aston Martin closing in the battle for 6th place in the constructors' championship.

Will Ferrari bounce back after their failure in qualifying?

Undoubtedly the biggest disappointment of their qualifying sessions. Far from the battle with Red Bull and Mercedes, the team with the prancing horse finished 5th with Carlos Sainz and 7th with their leader Leclerc, respectively 6 and 8 tenths behind Max Verstappen.

If Leclerc probably had an engine problem, it doesn't change the fact that the Scuderia is struggling through the end of the season with a victory that has eluded them since the Austrian Grand Prix last July. And it's hard to imagine how the trend could reverse as the Reds seem far behind in this Grand Prix. A podium would certainly be a good result for either of the drivers, but the road seems infinitely long to reach it.

The start of the Mexican Grand Prix will be given at 9 PM.