The McLaren team had to watch as Max Verstappen claimed the coveted victory in Austin. The Red Bull driver proved too strong for both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, although the former did come out on top in the battle with Charles Leclerc for second place. Norris hopes to build on this momentum and achieve an even better result in Mexico City, while Piastri is looking for revenge.
With his victory in Austin, Max Verstappen is steadily closing the gap on both championship leader Oscar Piastri and his closest pursuer and teammate, Lando Norris. Only forty points now separate the top three, with five Grands Prix remaining in the current season. However, Norris prefers to look ahead to the Mexican Grand Prix weekend rather than in his rear-view mirror at Verstappen’s progress.
“I’m really looking forward to going to Mexico. It’s a place I love to visit. The circuit is fun to drive on,” the Brit begins in the McLaren preview. “Mexico City is full of fans who love the sport. I’m looking forward to feeling the energy there.” Norris hopes to build on the momentum of his podium finish in Austin with another good result at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. “After my podium finish in Austin, I want to fight for more points this weekend.”
Oscar Piastri had a less successful weekend in Austin than his teammate. While Norris managed to mitigate the damage from his retirement during the sprint race with a second-place finish, the Australian could only manage a fifth-place finish. “It’s a great opportunity to dive straight back into a race weekend. This way, I can get back in the car and work with the team to maximize our performance,” said Piastri. “I am confident that it will be a productive weekend. I look forward to giving my best in Mexico.”
Pato O’Ward
Team boss Andrea Stella is also looking forward to the race in Mexico City. “After an intense weekend at the United States Grand Prix, we are now looking forward to the second half of this busy double-header,” the Italian explains. “The unique character of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, with its technical and fast sections, always makes for exciting races. Moreover, the high altitude of Mexico City presents various challenges for the teams.” Stella also confirms that home hero Pato O’Ward, McLaren’s reserve driver, will drive the first free practice. “He will take the wheel of Lando’s MCL39 and support the team with the setup ahead of another competitive weekend.”
