Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W12
Autosport Plus
Analysis

Why Mercedes is pleased despite Verstappen starting well ahead in Mexico

Max Verstappen looks to have a considerable advantage over his Mercedes rivals judging by the best times set in Friday practice at Formula 1’s 2021 Mexican Grand Prix. But there are signs that suggest the Black Arrows squad could yet get closer than it did yesterday

There are clear reasons why certain venues on the Formula 1 calendar are labelled as ‘Red Bull’ or ‘Mercedes’ tracks.

It might be past form, such as Lewis Hamilton’s previous supremacy at Austin, which also counted for Mercedes being the pre-event favourite at Paul Ricard before Red Bull rumbled it there this year. Or it could be circuit characteristics – such as the sweeping, high-speed sequences at Zandvoort suiting Red Bull’s downforce strengths (with the additional benefit of a fervent home crowd boosting Max Verstappen – something Hamilton enjoys every year at Silverstone).

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