Ricciardo finds the light, Perez plunges into the dark… The tops and the flops

2023-10-30 00:34:16

The great races of Norris and Ricciardo, the new victory of Verstappen but also the setbacks of Perez and Aston Martin, find the tops and flops of the Mexican GP.

TOPS

Ricciardo regains the points

He missed five races before returning to the United States. In recovery, he didn’t shine but he bounced back well in Mexico. Solid 4th in qualifying with a modest Alpha Tauri, Daniel Ricciardo delivered a high-flying race with a fine seventh place. The Australian couldn’t do better given the potential of his car and fought great battles with Norris and Russell. Back.

Norris, the rise of the day

18th on the grid, 5th at the finish. Lando Norris didn’t come to Mexico on vacation. The Briton started on the softs before very quickly switching to the hards. He came back close to the points zone and opted for the mediums at the second restart. This allowed Norris to make a crazy end to the race with overtakes on Ocon, Gasly, Albon, Hulkenberg, Piastri, Ricciardo and Russell to take a deserved fifth place.

Verstappen above the rest

Another quiet Sunday at the office for the three-time world champion. Third on the grid, the Batavian was first even before the first corner. Then, he managed his tires and the second start, after the red flag caused by Kevin Magnussen. He now has 16 victories in 2023, a single-season record, and he brings his total to 51 like Alain Prost.

Hamilton solide

Sixth on the grid, Hamilton had a very solid first stint. At the first corner, the Briton was fourth. He overtook Sainz in the pits and Leclerc after the second start to claim second place in Mexico. He is making up for it after his disqualification last weekend in Austin.

FLOPS

Perez really has it tough

This is going to hurt, really hurt. Fifth on the grid, Sergio Perez started perfectly on Sunday but he forced himself at the first corner and came into contact with Charles Leclerc. Ruining his race since he was forced to retire at the end of the lap. A hard blow for the host of the day who is already under pressure at Red Bull since he has had one series of disappointments for a while. His future with the Austrian team is getting darker, especially since Daniel Ricciardo, candidate for his seat, shone this weekend.

Aston Martin already on vacation

Green cars cross F1 weekends like ghosts now. Accustomed to the front at the start of the season, the Aston Martins disappeared from traffic with only 19 points in the last four races before arriving in Mexico. A meager record which did not improve since Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, outside the points zone, retired. A zero point that stings.