Lando Takes Second as the Gap Continues to Close
The Mexican Grand Prix turned into a showdown for McLaren, as Lando Norris fought tooth and nail to secure second place against aggressive moves from Max Verstappen, ultimately reducing the title gap to 47 points. McLaren delivered an impressive performance in a high-stakes race, with Norris’s grit and race craft on full display.
The opening laps were tense for Norris, who quickly became Verstappen’s target. Verstappen’s aggressive attempts to pass led to two separate 10-second penalties, a rare outcome that underlined the intensity of the battle. Norris, known for his fair racing, kept his composure, later calling Verstappen’s moves “not clean racing.” While the two have a strong friendship off-track, Norris was clear about his expectations: “I want tough battles but fair ones.”
Despite an early struggle to keep pace, Norris found his rhythm in the second stint, bringing McLaren’s pace back into contention and securing his 12th podium of the season. Reflecting on his finish, he admitted, “I was happy with second—given how tough the start was, it was key to keep the race alive and avoid any crashes early on.” Though Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz took the victory, Norris’s performance helped McLaren maintain their Constructors’ lead.
The Constructors’ Championship has become a fierce race, with Ferrari now only 29 points behind McLaren. Thanks to continuous updates and Monster Energy’s support, McLaren holds onto the top spot, though Ferrari’s recent gains make each race increasingly critical.
With the F1 circuit heading to Brazil, McLaren and Norris are set on finishing strong. Norris remains committed to his approach, determined to find the right balance between fairness and aggression, knowing every point counts. As he put it, “I’ve always fought fairly, but I know there’s room for improvement.” The final four races promise excitement as McLaren and Monster Energy keep pushing for the championship title.
