World Cup leader: “It’s kind of mysterious”
In contrast, the crisis continued for his teammate Oscar Piastri – still the World Cup leader with 14 points more than Norris. Only eighth place in qualifying, but because of a penalty from Austin for seventh-placed Carlos Sainz, he moved up one place for the Mexico City Grand Prix (9 p.m. CET/Sky). “It’s kind of mysterious,” said Piastri, rather perplexed. There’s just not enough speed.
And Max Verstappen? He too suffered a setback after his high flight. No more than fifth place was possible. It will be very difficult, predicted Red Bull’s motorsport consultant Helmut Marko and said with regard to first place in the race: “Norris is untouchable here.” A podium finish is a success.
After the two training sessions on Friday, Verstappen had become the clear pole favorite. Taking a break in the first hour for a young pilot, he then raced to the best time of the day. He just wasn’t happy: the performance on more than just one lap worried him.
It is unclear whether it was due to changes to the car in favor of the so-called long runs. In any case, there was a bit of a lack of speed on one lap in the last free practice session. Instead, Norris had set a first example with a clear best time. Piastri was fighting with himself, the car and the track the whole time and couldn’t get close to Norris.
Surprises in the first knockout section
The Australian lost 64 points to Verstappen in the last four Grand Prix. The Dutchman is 40 points short of first place, while Norris is only 14 points away.
However, none of the three title rivals made it to first place in the first knockout phase. Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar grabbed it. Three thousandths of a second slower in second place: record world champion Hamilton, third was George Russell in the Mercedes. Only then did Norris follow, Verstappen came ninth and Piastri tenth.
The Australian has won seven Grand Prix this year, but Piastri has been weak and in crisis for four races. The downward trend continues. Only seventh in the second period, Norris was fastest this time ahead of Hamilton, Russell and Verstappen. Nico Hülkenberg finished 13th in Sauber.
The fight between the top ten for first place on the grid
In the decisive phase, Leclerc also got involved. The Monegasse drove the fastest lap in the first attempt and took the lead for the time being. Then came Norris, then Hamilton, then Verstappen, Piastri was in fifth place. At the second attempt, Piastri made the lead, but with no chance of pole. Verstappen was too slow because Norris improved his strong time again and took first place on the grid for the first time since Spa-Francorchamps at the end of July.
