Back in Mexico after two years: Verstappen vs. Hamilton in first corner

Mexico GP 2019

Verstappen and Red Bull Racing are once again the favourites in Mexico ahead of the event. In 2019, Verstappen was the same when he took pole position by a whopping two tenths. In the end, Charles Leclerc started in front because of the three-place grid penalty Verstappen received for not reducing speed under a double yellow flag.

The 'catch up race' that Verstappen had to make from P4 on Sunday was a frustrating one for the Dutchman. The two Ferraris led the field on the straight from the start. Behind them, Hamilton and Verstappen arrived together at the first corner. It was incredibly tight and at the second corner, both drivers went off track.

Bad luck for Verstappen

Verstappen went further onto the grass than his rival and therefore had a slow 'restart'. From P8 the Dutchman had to continue his way. The Red Bull driver showed a particularly fast pace immediately, as he passed Valtteri Bottas on his own almost immediately on the track.

The bad luck didn't stop Verstappen when he suffered a rear tyre puncture halfway through his first stint. Starting from a disconsolate P20, the Dutchman had to salvage what could be saved. He lived up to his role as favourite, fighting his way back to P6 with an exceptionally fast pace in half a race. Lewis Hamilton managed to win the race.

Will Verstappen keep his cool in 2021?

Verstappen will be the favourite again in 2021. This year it is crucial that he keeps his head cool. The world title is closer than ever for the driver from Limburg. A pole position seems certainly possible, but with Hamilton possibly on P2, the first corner will be particularly exciting.

The 71 laps of the high altitude Mexican circuit will not only hopefully provide a spectacular race but also provide another blood-curdling episode in the title fight between the seven-time world champion and the eighteen-time race winner.