Key events
Norris cut Verstappenâs lead to 47 points with four races remaining and 120 points to play for.
Carlos Sainz: âIt was incredible. I really wanted this one. I wanted one more win before leaving Ferrari. I was just a bit annoyed at the start and Max is super difficult to pass and I knew I could make it.â
Lando Norris: âIt was a very tough race. It was trying to stay in the race and avoid crashes. Congratulations to Carlos and Ferrari. I knew what to expect, I didnât want to expect as I respect Max, but not very clean driving in my opinion. I just keep my head down. Thatâs all I can do for now.â
Charles Leclerc: âIt was a difficult one, we did the best race. All weekend we have been on the back foot. Amazing race by Carlos today. We are working super well as a team. The constructors is our target and we are getting closer to it.â
Carlos Sainz is delighted.
Charles Leclerc takes the fastest lap and the extra point to go along with his third place.
Carlos Sainz wins the Mexican Grand Prix!
After losing the pole position, he was able to take advantage of the carnage between Norris and Verstappen, whose 20-second penalty will take the headlines. Sainz takes first for Ferrari, Norris second for McLaren, Leclerc third for Ferrari, Hamilton in fourth in the Merc, Russell in fifth, Verstappen in sixth.
70/71 Norris is flying along, far quicker. Leclerc is going to go for fastest lap; thatâs currently held by Liam Lawson.
69/71 The debris from Liam Lawsonâs prang may yet cause problems.
68/71 Sainz has 6.8 seconds on Norris, surely unassailable.
67/71 Lawson and Colapinto clash, and Lawsonâs got damage to his wing. Two faces of the future. Both willing to race. âI had nowhere to go,â says the Kiwi.
Hamilton overtakes Russell for fourth
66/71 Down the main straight, and at last, Hamilton takes Russell and fourth place.
65/71 Russell and Hamiltonâ¦at it. Russell continuing to drive well and holding off Hamilton.
64/71 Piastriâs hopes of getting at Verstappen slowed by Kevin Magnussen, driving a cracker.
63/71 That was nerve-wracking for Norris, Leclercâs mistake almost took them both off the road. Now, can Norris chase Sainz? The gap is up at 7.5 or so, with the fastest lap in Norrisâ hand.
Norris takes second after Leclerc steers off
62/71 Piastri is told to chase down Verstappen. Meanwwhile, Norris chases down Leclerc to try and win second place.â¦..and Leclerc spins off to the side, and Norris takes second.
61/71 Russell and Hamilton drone on and on. Norris sets the fastest lap.
60/71 Norris has Leclerc in his sights. Discipline needed from both. Sainz sitting pretty, and able to keep the race in his grasp.
59/71 The last 10-12 laps should see Norris chase down Leclerc. âWe need your best driving now, letâs go,â says the McLaren garage.
58/71 The Hamilton/Russell chase continues. Norris is down to 1/5 seconds. Now, can he pass his rival, like he failed to do last week?
57/71 Norris is down to 2.4 seconds down on Leclerc.
56/71 Russell was supposed to be on the older, less effective car but is keeping Hamilton at bay. Piastri into seventh, having started at 17th.
55/71 The Merc garage look on nervously. Russell is doing a fine blocking job.
54/71 Hamilton canât find a route beyond Russell but this race for fourth is the only show in town.
53/71 Mercedes battle is 30 seconds behind the leaders, as Martin Brundle reminds. Much work to do there for next season for Toto Wolff and Big Sir Jim.
52/71 Colapinto, who is such a talent, has the fastest lap.
51/71 Hamilton not able to chase Russell, but canât get close enough. Verstappen is 12 seconds back and little threat.
50/71 Hamilton has DRS in chasing Russell. These two like a ding-dong, and next year will be rivals.
49/71 Ferrariâs fliers will soon meet the backmarkers. Thatâs good news for Norris.
48/71 George Russell is told heâs free to race Hamilton.
47/71 Verstappen in sixth, has 11 seconds to make up on Hamilton, who is closing on Russell. McLaren need Mercedes to do a blocking job on Verstappen.
