Lando Norris produced one of his finest performances in Formula 1 as he dominated the Mexico City Grand Prix to reclaim the world championship lead and restore confidence in his title ambitions. The Briton, who had gone five races without a win, executed a flawless weekend to strengthen McLaren’s position as the standout team this year.
A Statement Weekend for McLaren
Norris’ lights-to-flag victory marked the first time he has led the standings since April, when team-mate Oscar Piastri overtook him after winning in Saudi Arabia. Since suffering a costly retirement in the Netherlands with a fuel-line failure, Norris has clawed back 35 points in five races.
“It gives me confidence,” Norris said. “One race performing well doesn’t mean anything. Two, three or four in a row does.”
McLaren’s rise has kept Red Bull at bay, despite Max Verstappen cutting Piastri’s advantage in recent rounds. But in Mexico, Norris was in complete control from the moment he got behind the wheel in second practice. A standout pole lap set the tone, and after a brief loss of position due to Charles Leclerc cutting the track, he pulled away unchallenged.
Piastri Searching for Answers
While Norris has returned to form, Piastri has struggled, particularly in the last two weekends where his driving style has not suited lower grip conditions. The Australian finished a battling fifth in Mexico after a tough qualifying session left him seven places behind his team-mate.
McLaren boss Andrea Stella believes both drivers will remain strong in the final four races, though Las Vegas may bring challenges. The priority, he says, is continuing to extract the car’s full performance as they push for both championships.
Verstappen Left Chasing
Verstappen finished third and admitted McLaren’s speed was “chastening”, reducing his deficit by only four points — from 40 to 36.
Norris, however, is staying focused: “Every weekend’s new, every weekend’s different, and still a long way to go.”
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