The Formula 1 paddock heads for the Mexican Grand Prix this weekend with little time to digest Sunday’s thrilling race at COTA.
Sergio Perez heads into his home race needing a positive result amid retirement rumours and quashed reported finishing position ultimatums.
Perez struggled to make progress in Austin last time out, finishing a distant P5 while teammate Verstappen was once again victorious against the odds.
The Guadalajara native arrives to a hero’s welcome this weekend, but the Red Bull driver will be under pressure to deliver from an expectant home crowd.
Mexico should also see the continued resurgence of McLaren, and we are eyeing a strong 8/13 tip for the race.
Home heroics
Six-time race winner Perez is in search of a first podium in four races entering Mexican Grand Prix weekend.
This weekend presents an ideal opportunity to rediscover his previous form on a circuit where he has twice finished in the top three.
A track that traditionally suits the Red Bull package – having won four of the last five races – Perez has the tools to repeat his past successes on Sunday.
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Expect the Mexican to benefit from Red Bull’s efficient DRS system on Mexico’s 1.2km pit straight.
This should aid overtaking manoeuvres and increase the potential to progress through the race, should Perez struggle in qualifying.
Considering these factors, Perez to finish on the podium has a good chance of landing, with William Hill offering odds of 8/13.
Rival resurgence
Away from Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes showed promising pace throughout the U.S Grand Prix once more.
Lewis Hamilton pushed Verstappen closely to finish second while Charles Leclerc snagged pole, before struggling on a one-stop strategy come race day.
Controversially, both drivers would be disqualified post race for failing to adhere to the FIA’s floor wear regulations.
Hamilton will be especially keen to bounce back immediately from this setback, now sitting 39 points behind Perez in their fight for runner-up in the Driver’s Championship.
Although the seven-time champion has struggled to find success in Mexico, Mercedes appear to have discovered a turn of pace with their latest upgrades.
Expect both Hamilton and teammate George Russell to fight for podium positions.
William Hill have a 4/6 shot for Hamilton to finish in the top three.
McLaren’s mixed fortunes
An in-form Lando Norris continued his scintillating run of results with P3 and another podium last weekend.
Unfortunately for the team, rookie Oscar Piastri retired following damage suffered in a Lap 1 collision.
A fourth consecutive podium for Norris at a track not especially suited to the McLaren highlights the team’s progress this season.
Furthermore, Norris appeared to have a pace advantage over Piastri throughout the weekend. This comes after momentum seemed to be swinging towards the Australian rookie in recent races.
Mexico’s fast, sweeping corners promise to suit the McLaren car. They were particularly strong at similar circuits such as Silverstone and Suzuka.
With Norris in the best form of his young career and Piastri looking to return to the podium, motivation will be high to achieve a positive result.
Norris especially will be determined to finally go one better and claim victory, with odds of 20/1 available with William Hill.
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