Max Verstappen delivered another masterclass performance at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, claiming a dominant victory in Sunday's Mexico City Grand Prix that further cemented his 2024 championship credentials. However, the Dutchman's flawless drive was overshadowed by dramatic opening-lap tensions between McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
McLaren's Costly First-Lap Collision
The race erupted into controversy moments after lights out when Norris and Piastri made contact at Turn 1, forcing both cars off track and compromising their entire Sunday. The British driver appeared to squeeze his Australian teammate toward the inside wall, resulting in wheel-to-wheel contact that sent both McLarens wide and tumbling down the order.
"We touched, and it ruined both of our races," a frustrated Norris stated post-race. "It's disappointing when these things happen between teammates."
Verstappen's Untroubled Path to Victory
While McLaren dealt with internal drama, Verstappen executed a perfect race from pole position, controlling the pace throughout and managing two safety car periods with characteristic precision. The Red Bull driver crossed the line with a comfortable margin over Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, securing his 17th victory of the 2024 season.
"The car was phenomenal today," Verstappen commented. "We had everything under control from the start and managed the situations perfectly."
Team Principal's Frustration Evident
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella didn't mince words when addressing the intra-team incident, expressing clear disappointment with how the situation unfolded. "We expect our drivers to race each other fairly while considering the team's overall interests," Stella emphasised, suggesting the team would review the incident internally before the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix.
Both Norris and Piastri eventually recovered to score points, but the damage was done - valuable constructor championship points were left on the table, potentially affecting McLaren's battle for second place in the standings.
Championship Implications
Verstappen's victory extends his already commanding lead in the drivers' championship, while Red Bull continues to dominate the constructors' battle. For McLaren, the Mexico GP represents a missed opportunity to close the gap to their rivals, with team harmony now under scrutiny as the season enters its final stages.
