Carlos Sainz’s triumphant win at the 2024 Mexico Grand Prix significantly impacted the F1 standings. While Sainz celebrated his fourth Formula 1 victory, the race was filled with drama, particularly for Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, ultimately shifting the dynamics of the championship battle.
Mexico Grand Prix: A Recap and Its Impact on Mexico Standings
Sainz initially lost the lead to Verstappen at the start but reclaimed it on Lap 9. He maintained a strong performance, ultimately finishing 4.7 seconds ahead of Norris. However, the race was far from smooth. Verstappen and Norris engaged in an intense battle, resulting in two 10-second penalties for Verstappen due to aggressive driving and contact. This incident directly affected the Mexico Standings, shrinking Verstappen’s lead in the driver’s championship. Leclerc, despite a late-race error, managed to secure a podium finish, further influencing the points distribution in the Mexico standings. Early retirements for Tsunoda and Albon following first-lap incidents added to the chaotic start.
Analyzing the Driver Standings in Mexico
Verstappen, while still leading the championship, saw his advantage over Norris reduced to 47 points following the Mexico Grand Prix. Leclerc maintains the third position, now 24 points behind Norris. Sainz’s victory propelled him to fifth place in the standings. The following table details the top ten drivers in the F1 2024 Driver Standings after the Mexico GP:
| Pos | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 362 |
| 2 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 315 |
| 3 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 291 |
| 4 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 251 |
| 5 | Carlos Sainz | Ferrari | 240 |
| 6 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | 189 |
| 7 | George Russell | Mercedes | 177 |
| 8 | Sergio Perez | Red Bull | 150 |
| 9 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | 62 |
| 10 | Nico Hulkenberg | Haas | 31 |
Constructor Standings After the Mexico Grand Prix
McLaren’s lead in the constructor standings decreased to 29 points after the race in Mexico. Ferrari’s strong performance, with Leclerc and Sainz both finishing in the points, allowed them to surpass Red Bull for second place. The updated Constructor Standings reflect the intense competition between the top teams:
| Pos. | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | McLaren | 566 |
| 2 | Ferrari | 537 |
| 3 | Red Bull | 512 |
| 4 | Mercedes | 366 |
| 5 | Aston Martin | 86 |
Conclusion: Mexico Standings Tighten the Championship Fight
The 2024 Mexico Grand Prix proved to be a pivotal race, significantly impacting both the driver and constructor Mexico standings. Sainz’s victory, combined with Verstappen’s penalties and Ferrari’s strong performance, has intensified the championship battle, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the season. The remaining races promise even more excitement as the fight for the titles continues.
