The Formula 1 World Championship heads to Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez this weekend, as the Mexican Grand Prix returns to action. At the center of the story are Red Bull driver Sergio Pérez and Ferrari young star Charles Leclerc. Their duel for second place in the world standings has become the season’s most compelling subplot, especially since Max Verstappen clinched the title at the Japanese Grand Prix and moved into a position to chase new milestones in Mexico.
In the general classification, Leclerc sits two points behind Pérez, with both drivers fiercely eyeing a strong result at home. Pérez carries 265 points to Leclerc’s 267 as they arrive at the Mexican circuit. The aim for Pérez is clear: win in front of the home crowd and become the first Mexican driver to triumph at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. It’s not just about pride; a victory would tighten the chase for second in the standings and add a memorable chapter to a season that has already produced drama on every level.
There are still multiple routes to the top of the table. Red Bull can strengthen its grip on the championship by outperforming Leclerc over the remaining races, with the Sao Paulo and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix left on the calendar. This creates a dynamic where every session matters, and pressure builds with each passing lap as the title race shifts between triumph and setback.
For Leclerc, the best finish at this circuit so far is fourth in 2019, with fifth place last year. The Monégasque will look to improve on those results and push toward a podium against a field that includes the sport’s most successful runners. As the weekend unfolds, fans will watch how the cars balance speed with tire management and how strategic choices shape the outcome of the race.
The anticipation around Max Verstappen continues to grow. After winning at Suzuka, the Dutch driver has already demonstrated extraordinary consistency, and this weekend could see him extend his record as a Grand Prix winner in the country. If Verstappen adds another victory, he would push toward a historic tally for the season, challenging the record for most wins in a single year. This spectacle has fans and analysts debating how many triumphs Verstappen could amass by season’s end.
Carlos Sainz, who could only manage a difficult early exit in the United States Grand Prix after contact with another driver, heads into the Mexican weekend with Ferrari trailing a tight gap to the leaders. If he and his team can close the gap, they will play a crucial role in shaping the final stretch of the championship. Ferrari’s strategic decisions will be scrutinized as the team seeks to maximize points and position before the season closes.
Fernando Alonso, driving for Alpine this season, sits ninth and remains Spain’s sole world champion in Formula 1. The veteran Spaniard continues to chase his best result with this team as he plans to transition to Aston Martin next year, aiming to finish strongly and leave a lasting mark on the season.
On Friday, the weekend will feature two free practice sessions, setting the stage for a final practice and qualifying on Saturday as teams dial in setups and strategies for Sunday’s race. The atmosphere in Mexico will be electric as the track layout tests both performance and endurance in equal measure.
F1 Mexican GP schedules
Friday
20:00 Free Practice 1
23:00 Free Practice 2
Saturday
19:00 Free Practice 3
22:00 Qualifying
Sunday
21:00 Race