Max Verstappen to turn the screw as Ferrari milestone looms

As the Formula One season intensifies, Max Verstappen of Red Bull is poised to extend his dominance, particularly at the Mexican Grand Prix, where he has previously clinched victory five times. Verstappen’s remarkable resurgence, from trailing McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by 104 points in August to narrowing the gap to just 40, underscores his relentless pursuit of a fourth win in the last five grands prix. Meanwhile, Ferrari’s struggles persist, with the team approaching a full year without a victory in Mexico. Their last triumph came in October last year, courtesy of Carlos Sainz, who has since moved to Williams and faces a grid penalty this weekend. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, now with Ferrari, has yet to secure a podium finish in 19 starts this season, while teammate Charles Leclerc has managed six podiums but only one second-place finish in Monaco. McLaren’s Andrea Stella acknowledges Verstappen and Red Bull as the most formidable combination currently, though he remains optimistic about McLaren’s prospects in Brazil, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. With Piastri’s lead over Lando Norris dwindling to 14 points, the battle for supremacy within McLaren intensifies. Mercedes’ George Russell, trailing by 94 points, is effectively out of contention, leaving McLaren and Red Bull to vie for the title. However, Ferrari and Russell could still influence the championship by siphoning crucial points. Red Bull’s Laurent Mekies emphasizes the unpredictability of the remaining races, where track conditions and team performance will be decisive. Additionally, Yuki Tsunoda’s recent improvement adds another layer of intrigue, as Red Bull evaluates his future. The team standings remain fiercely contested, with Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull locked in a tight race for second place, while Williams, Sauber, Aston Martin, and Racing Bulls battle for sixth.