The F1 weekend reaches its climax in Mexico City tonight with Lando Norris set to continue his rivalry with Max Verstappen following the highly contentious battle in Austin.
Verstappen has won five of the last six races at Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez and will be aiming to edge one step closer to a fourth world championship title.
Charles Leclerc produced a sensational drive to claim victory at the US Grand Prix with Ferrari impressing with a one-two thanks to Carlos Sainz. The Scuderia are contending a fierce battle with McLaren and Red Bull for the constructors’ championship, with qualifying set to be vital here. Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes will bid to banish a nightmare weekend last time out in Texas.
Follow live updates from the Mexican Grand Prix with The Independent:
F1 MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX - LATEST UPDATES
- Race in Mexico City starts at 8pm GMT
- Carlos Sainz sits on pole following Saturday’s qualifying
- Max Verstappen and Lando Norris go toe-to-toe in the world title battle
- Sergio Perez is under pressure and fights for his seat at Red Bull in front of home fans
Martin Brundle calls for F1 rule change after Norris and Verstappen clash
19:07
Mike Jones
Martin Brundle believes F1 needs to change its driver guidelines after a clash between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen at the US Grand Prix.
The two title contenders were involved in a controversial incident on lap 52. Norris overtook Verstappen outside the racetrack before being hit with a five-second penalty, demoting the Brit to fourth and elevating the Red Bull driver to the podium.
“As far as I’m concerned, the six-page Guidelines (therefore not regulations), which have been signed off by the FIA, the drivers’ association (GPDA), and the teams, are a blueprint to dissuade overtaking, especially around the outside,” Brundle said, in his Sky Sports column.
“There are key reference points that are hard to define for both drivers and stewards, such as where exactly is the apex of any given corner across the entire width of the track, along with specific front axle and car mirror positions in a fast-moving event such as a racing overtake.
“I don’t know what happened to the ‘let them race’ approach from a while back which worked reasonably well.”
Norris ‘not at’ Verstappen’s level
19:00
Mike Jones
Lando Norris has admitted he is not at the same level of Max Verstappen as the two men attempt to win the Forumla 1 world title.
Norris said: “Max is the best in the world in this style of defence and attacking. So I have to be at his level and at the moment I am not quite at the level I need to be at.
“It’s a shame to say, but it’s probably the truth. At the same time, it’s a chance for me to learn and progress.”
Sergio Perez’s F1 clock is ticking – and impact on Mexico Grand Prix future could be huge
18:50
Mike Jones
It is difficult to remember the last time Sergio Perez’s seat at Red Bull was not under intense scrutiny and pressure. Perhaps at the start of this season, after four podiums in the first five races, and with the stance of Christian Horner’s juggernaut as the sport’s No 1 outfit on track in no doubt at all. Now though, the sands have shifted.
With five races left in 2024, Red Bull are second in the constructors’ championship: 40 points off McLaren in first but just eight points ahead of Ferrari in third. Max Verstappen, chasing a fourth-straight drivers’ title, has accrued over 70% of Red Bull’s points himself. Perez, however, is a mammoth 204 points behind his teammate, languishing eighth in the individual table.
It is, by far, the biggest margin between teammates in the sport. Yet still, the 34-year-old remains in his post ahead of his home race in Mexico City this weekend. His 2021 podium at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, with his adoring father watching on, is undoubtedly a career highlight.
Max Verstappen qualifies ahead of Lando Norris but ‘question marks’ set up Mexico City thriller
18:40
Mike Jones
Max Verstappen edged out title rival Lando Norris as Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz claimed pole position at the Mexico Grand Prix.
Norris trails Verstappen by 57 points in the drivers’ championship with five races remaining and 146 points up for grabs and needs to start making major inroads into the Dutchman’s advantage.
McLaren failed in their bid to overturn Norris’s controversial penalty which demoted him behind Verstappen in Austin, Texas, last weekend – a result the British driver labelled a “momentum killer” in his pursuit of a maiden title.
Drivers arrive at the circuit
18:30
Mike Jones
The race is a little under two hours away from beginning in Mexico City and the drivers have all filtered into the circuit.
Max Verstappen seems determined to have a strong day but will need to get the better of Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari and the McLaren of Lando Norris.
Constructors’ Championship table
18:20
Mike Jones
1. McLaren - 544 points
2. Red Bull - 504 points
3. Ferrari - 496 points
4. Mercedes - 344 points
5. Aston Martin - 86 points
6. Haas - 38 points
7. RB - 36 points
8. Williams - 17 points
9. Alpine - 13 points
10. Sauber - 0 points
What is the 2024 F1 calendar?
18:10
Mike Jones
ROUND 20 - MEXICO
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City - 25-27 October
ROUND 21 - BRAZIL (sprint race)
Interlagos Circuit, Sao Paulo - 1-3 November
ROUND 22 - LAS VEGAS
Las Vegas Street Circuit - 21-23 November
ROUND 23 - QATAR (sprint race)
Lusail International Circuit, Lusail - 29 November - 1 December
ROUND 24 - ABU DHABI
Yas Marina Circuit - 6-8 December
Johnny Herbert insists Red Bull should drop Sergio Perez immediately
18:00
Mike Jones
Former F1 race winner Johnny Herbert believes Red Bull need to drop Sergio Perez “sooner rather than later” – and should be replaced by RB driver Yuki Tsunoda.
Perez has a contract with Red Bull until the end of 2025 – with an option for 2026 – but has struggled as Max Verstappen’s teammate this year. He has not won a race since April 2023 and trails Verstappen in the championship by 204 points.
The 34-year-old finished seventh in the US Grand Prix on Sunday, while Verstappen finished on the podium. Perez’s future is shrouded in doubt ahead of his home race in Mexico City this weekend.
Perez hoping for a change in momentum
17:50
Mike Jones
“Momentum in F1 is very important,” Sergio Perez said. “If I get a good one here, then the season can take a huge turn.
“The most important thing is that I feel comfortable in the car. At the moment we are unable to unlock the full potential of the car.
“I feel that we are working towards solving it. We are heading in the right direction. This is Formula One, sometimes the results are not coming, you have to keep your head down and focus on the stuff that you can control.”
Max Verstappen wants F1 driver voting rights
17:40
Mike Jones
Max Verstappen has yet to make peace with Formula One’s governing body after being sanctioned for swearing in a press conference but he is clear on what he would like to see happen in an ideal world.
“Drivers need to get more power,” Red Bull’s triple world champion told Reuters in an interview ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix.
“It’s a tough one, I know, but this is something that I think is very important for the future, for the young drivers not so much for us.”
Sergio Perez admits to poor season with speculation over Red Bull future
17:30
Mike Jones
Sergio Perez admits he has had a “terrible season” as speculation continues over his future at Red Bull. Perez is eighth in the drivers’ standings – 204 points behind team-mate Max Verstappen – and his highest finish in the last 13 races is sixth.
Red Bull are under pressure to hold on to their constructors’ crown, having lost the lead to McLaren – who are now 40 points clear.
“I know I have had a terrible season. It started really well but it has been really difficult for me,” Perez said, “If I get a strong result (here), it can definitely change my season massively, I am really up for it.
“Having Ferrari there does not change anything, we want to win the constructors, finishing second and third is no difference. We want to win it and for that we need both cars with the best possible performance and best possible package.”
Verstappen has no desire to emulate Hamilton
17:20
Mike Jones
Three-time world champion Max Verstappen says he has no desire to match Fernando Alonso’s 400 races, a milestone the Spaniard reached in Mexico, or continue racing into his 40s like old title rival and seven-times champion Lewis Hamilton.
“Now that I’ve won championships and races, for me, my goals are completed in Formula One, so there’s a bit less pressure,” he said.
“I don’t care about winning eight titles or beating the win record. I know that I can do that but you need in a way luck as well, for a long time that you are at the right team.
“Yes, I can continue until I’m 40 years old, but I don’t want to. I don’t want to look back when I’m 80 years old, and hopefully I make it to 80, and look at myself and say ‘Jesus! I’ve done 40 years of racing, and I’ve basically wasted 15 good years of my life (when I could be) having a good time with family and friends’.
“OK, maybe you win a few more championships and races, but it’s not about that for me in life.
“When I’m 80 years old I want to look back and say ‘Yes, I had a good time in racing, I did everything I needed to do, and I loved my life and I lived my life.’ That’s what I want to do.”
Danica Patrick explains why she backs Donald Trump – as Sky F1 pundit votes for first time ever
17:10
Mike Jones
Sky F1 pundit Danica Patrick has voted for Donald Trump in this year’s US presidential election – adding that it is the first time she has ever gone to the polls.
The former NASCAR and IndyCar driver, who was a pundit on Sky Sports’ coverage of the US Grand Prix in Austin last weekend, chaired a town hall with Trump’s running mate JD Vance two weeks ago in North Carolina.
The 42-year-old, who is the only woman to ever win an IndyCar Series race, revealed her early vote on her Instagram page on Wednesday, saying: “I voted today, for the first time.
Norris on Ferrari threat
17:00
Mike Jones
Lando Norris is wary of the threat that Ferrari pose his McLaren in tonight’s Grand Prix especially following their one-two in Austin last time out.
“The last few weekends they have been quicker than us. Today we were not on their level, but tomorrow is another day,” Norris said after qualifying on Saturday.
“Ferrari have been the guys to be beat and Carlos is on top. It will be challenging to beat them tomorrow.
“Carlos is going to be fast and has nothing to lose. We will try our best, but I don’t think we have the pace compared to them at the minute.”
Norris ‘happy’ with P3
16:50
Mike Jones
Lando Norris continues his challenge to win the Formula 1 world title as the drivers race in the Mexico Grand Prix tonight. It promises to be an intriguing contest with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz taking pole position and Max Verstappen also on the front row.
Norris starts third and will be hoping to pip his rival Verstappen to the first corner and take control of the race. Speaking after qualifying yesterday Norris said: “I am relatively happy to be P3.
“I felt a bit on the back foot and have not been that comfortable at all. We found some good sectors in qualifying. Q1 and Q2 were very good.
“I just couldn’t progress from there, the car was too difficult to drive in Q3. Too difficult to get the three tenths out of it compared to Carlos.
“But I am pleased with third. It looked like it could have been better but I think we finished where we should be.”
Verstappen qualifies ahead of Norris
16:40
Mike Jones
Max Verstappen hailed an “incredible result” after he recovered from struggles in practice to finish ahead of title rival Lando Norris in qualifying for the Mexico Grand Prix.
“To be on the front row is an incredible result for us,” Verstappen said, “Yesterday was basically a complete write-off. We were behind and the car was not feeling great. Everything was very difficult.
“So it was always going to be a tough qualifying, we made some adjustments and it started to feel better.
“I don’t expect miracles (on race pace). In Austin, Ferrari were really fast, McLaren were competitive, so from my side I guess we will find out.”
How can I watch it online and on TV?
16:30
Mike Jones
The Mexico City Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom - and ESPN in the United States. Sky’s coverage of Sunday’s race starts at 6:30pm (GMT).
You can watch highlights on free-to-air Channel 4 at 8:30am (GMT) on Sunday morning for qualifying and 12:30am on Monday morning for the race.
Sky Sports subscribers can watch all the action in Mexico City on the Sky Go app. If you’re not a Sky customer you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch the Mexico Grand Prix then you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get great deals on the best VPNs in the market.
When is the Mexico City Grand Prix?
16:20
Mike Jones
Sunday 27 October
- Race: 8pm (GMT) - Coverage starts on Sky Sports at 6.30pm
Starting positions for Mexico Grand Prix
16:10
Mike Jones
What is the starting grid?
- Carlos Sainz, Ferrari
- Max Verstappen, Red Bull
- Lando Norris, McLaren
- Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
- George Russell, Mercedes
- Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
- Kevin Magnussen, Haas
- Pierre Gasly, Alpine
- Alex Albon, Williams
- Nico Hülkenberg, Haas
- Yuki Tsunoda, RB
- Liam Lawson, RB
- Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin
- Lance Stroll, Aston Martin
- Valtteri Bottas, Sauber
- Franco Colapinto, Williams
- Oscar Piastri, McLaren
- Sergio Perez, Red Bull
- Esteban Ocon, Alpine
- Zhou Guanyu, Sauber
F1 2025 grid: Who are the drivers racing next season?
16:00
Chris Wilson
The 2025 F1 season starts on Sunday 16 March at Albert Park in Australia.
It will be another 24-race season and there will be no new races in the calendar. However, there are a host of new drivers at fresh teams.
The biggest change is of course Lewis Hamilton’s mega-move to Ferrari, with Italian teen Kimi Antonelli replacing Hamilton at Mercedes. Carlos Sainz has joined Alex Albon at Williams.
British teenager Ollie Bearman has been promoted to a race seat at Haas, with Esteban Ocon partnering him having left Alpine. Jack Doohan has taken Ocon’s place while at Sauber, Nico Hulkenberg has taken one seat with the second yet to be confirmed.
F1 Driver Standings
15:30
Chris Wilson
A reminder of how the top of the driver standings looks as we approach the start of the Mexico GP.
1 - Max Verstappen - 354pts
2 - Lando Norris - 297pts
3 - Charles Leclerc - 275pts
4 - Oscar Piastri - 247pts
5 - Carlos Sainz - 215pts
Lewis Hamilton reveals biggest frustration after latest F1 setback: ‘I’m losing all the time’
15:00
Chris Wilson
Lewis Hamilton was left frustrated after another F1 setback as the Mercedes driver finished sixth in qualifying for the Mexico City Grand Prix.
The Briton failed to hide his emotions after Q3, which included a costly spin on the penultimate corner, ensuring teammate George Russell has now bettered him in qualifying 15 times out of 20.
And Hamilton, who will join Ferrari for the 2025 season, cut a dejected figure following what he described as a “drastic” regression in performance over the course of practice and qualifying.
Max Verstappen qualifies ahead of Lando Norris but ‘question marks’ set up Mexico City thriller
14:30
Chris Wilson
Max Verstappen edged out title rival Lando Norris as Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz claimed pole position at the Mexico Grand Prix.
Norris trails Verstappen by 57 points in the drivers’ championship with five races remaining and 146 points up for grabs and needs to start making major inroads into the Dutchman’s advantage.
McLaren failed in their bid to overturn Norris’s controversial penalty which demoted him behind Verstappen in Austin, Texas, last weekend – a result the British driver labelled a “momentum killer” in his pursuit of a maiden title.
Lando Norris makes admission in F1 title fight with Max Verstappen: ‘It’s a shame but it’s the truth’
14:00
Chris Wilson
Lando Norris has admitted he is “not quite” at Max Verstappen’s “level” during this critical juncture in the Formula 1 title race.
Norris had two chances to narrow the gap to title leader Verstappen last weekend, in Saturday’s US Grand Prix sprint race and in Sunday’s standard race.
Red Bull’s Verstappen started on pole in the sprint and converted for a win, while McLaren’s Norris dropped from second to third. Then, on Sunday, Norris dropped from pole to fourth, while Verstappen fell from second to third.
“Max is the best in the world in this style of defence and attacking,” Norris said via the BBC. “So, I have to be at his level.”
McLaren lose bid to have Lando Norris penalty overturned following Max Verstappen incident
13:30
Chris Wilson
McLaren have failed in their bid to overturn Lando Norris’ penalty from the United States Grand Prix.
The team invoked a “right of review”, asking the stewards to look again at the turn 12 incident in Austin, where Norris was handed a five-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage while overtaking Max Verstappen in the closing stages.
That demoted the British driver below his title rival as the Dutchman extended his championship lead to 57 points.
Sergio Perez’s F1 clock is ticking – and impact on Mexico Grand Prix future could be huge
13:00
Chris Wilson
It is difficult to remember the last time Sergio Perez’s seat at Red Bull was not under intense scrutiny and pressure. Perhaps at the start of this season, after four podiums in the first five races, and with the stance of Christian Horner’s juggernaut as the sport’s No 1 outfit on track in no doubt at all. Now though, the sands have shifted.
With five races left in 2024, Red Bull are second in the constructors’ championship: 40 points off McLaren in first but just eight points ahead of Ferrari in third. Max Verstappen, chasing a fourth-straight drivers’ title, has accrued over 70% of Red Bull’s points himself. Perez, however, is a mammoth 204 points behind his teammate, languishing eighth in the individual table.
It is, by far, the biggest margin between teammates in the sport. Yet still, the 34-year-old remains in his post ahead of his home race in Mexico City this weekend. His 2021 podium at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, with his adoring father watching on, is undoubtedly a career highlight.
F1 2024 race schedule: Start time and how to watch Mexico Grand Prix
12:30
Chris Wilson
A reminder of how you can watch tonight’s race...
The Mexico City Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom - and ESPN in the United States. Sky’s coverage of Sunday’s race starts at 6:30pm (BST).
You can watch highlights on free-to-air Channel 4 at 8:30am (BST) on Sunday morning for qualifying and 12:30am on Monday morning for the race.
Sky Sports subscribers can watch all the action in Mexico City on the Sky Go app. If you’re not a Sky customer you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
F1 grid: Starting positions for Mexico Grand Prix
12:01
Karl Matchett
F1 rolls around to Mexico City next as the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez plays host to the Mexican Grand Prix and round 20 of the 2024 season.
Charles Leclerc won an action-packed US Grand Prix on Sunday, leading home a Ferrari one-two on a memorable day for the Scuderia in Austin.
The main talking point was the highly contentious battle between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, with the McLaren driver coming off second-best and demoted to fourth after a penalty. Alongside his sprint race victory, it means Verstappen extended his lead to Norris in the world championship to 57 points with five rounds remaining.
