The Upcoming Thrills of the 2025 Mexican Grand Prix: Key Highlights and Insights
As the 2025 Formula 1 season progresses, the championship gears up for an exciting weekend with the Mexican Grand Prix, marking the beginning of the final five races of the year. This event comes just a week after the United States Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen showcased his exceptional driving skills by starting from pole position. Not only did he dominate the main race, but he also secured victory in the sprint race, solidifying his position as a formidable competitor in the ongoing championship battle.
The conversations surrounding the title race have intensified, with many questioning whether the four-time world champion, Verstappen, is back in contention for the title, or if the battle remains focused on the McLaren duo of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. With various narratives unfolding, here are several key storylines to watch during the Mexican Grand Prix.
Verstappen’s Pursuit of a Fifth Consecutive Title
Max Verstappen’s recent performances have reignited discussions about his potential to clinch a fifth consecutive title. Initially, the 2025 season appeared to be dominated by McLaren, with Piastri and Norris winning 12 of the first 15 races, leading many to believe that the championship battle was exclusively between them. Internally, McLaren even considered how to celebrate their eventual champion to avoid any issues with the runner-up.
However, Verstappen’s recent form has significantly altered this narrative. His resurgence began at the Italian Grand Prix, where Red Bull Racing introduced a series of upgrades, including a new floor design. This allowed Red Bull to present a car that could effectively challenge McLaren across various tracks. Over the next few races, Verstappen dramatically reduced his points deficit from 104 to just 40, now trailing Norris by only 26 points.
Verstappen’s impressive track record—19 wins in 2023 alone—demonstrates his ability to capitalize on the best equipment available. As the Mexican Grand Prix approaches, the high altitude of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, characterized by its thin air, is expected to favor Red Bull’s aerodynamic strengths. The car’s ability to maintain stable downforce at higher ride heights will be crucial, especially on the bumpy terrain of the Mexican circuit. Moreover, McLaren’s performance may falter in fast corners, where they have historically struggled.
With a potential fifth title on the line, Verstappen’s recent achievements present a unique opportunity to test the resilience of both Piastri and Norris, who are vying for their first championship. For Piastri, particularly, securing a strong result in Mexico is vital to maintain momentum against his rivals.
The Uncertainty Surrounding Red Bull’s 2026 Driver Line-Up
While Verstappen seems to be thriving, his teammate Yuki Tsunoda faces a challenging situation. In recent seasons, any driver partnering with Verstappen has found it tough to keep pace. Liam Lawson began the season in this role but was replaced after just two races due to a lack of points. Tsunoda, who was promoted from Red Bull’s sister team, Racing Bulls, has similarly struggled, amassing only 25 points and currently sitting 16th in the championship standings. His performance has led to uncertainty regarding his future with the team.
It is widely anticipated that Tsunoda may not retain his seat for the following season. Instead, Isack Hadjar, a promising rookie from Racing Bulls, is expected to take his place after an impressive season, which included a podium finish at Zandvoort. Additionally, Arvid Lindblad, another Red Bull junior, is likely to join Racing Bulls following his stint in Formula 2.
Red Bull management has indicated that they plan to announce their driver line-ups for both teams by the end of October, which adds an element of suspense to the upcoming race weekend. The primary question now is who will partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls. The contenders appear to be either Lawson or Tsunoda, with Lawson favored due to his youth and potential. Tsunoda, on the other hand, is in a precarious position as he fights to secure his future in Formula 1. A strong performance in Mexico could be pivotal for his career.
Evaluating Ferrari’s Performance and Potential
Ferrari’s 2025 season has been underwhelming, especially given the expectations for a competitive title challenge against McLaren. After a fierce rivalry in the previous season’s constructors’ championship, Ferrari has struggled to keep pace this year, currently sitting third in the standings, a staggering 344 points behind McLaren, and has yet to achieve a race victory.
Nevertheless, the recent race in Austin signaled a potential turning point for Ferrari, as Charles Leclerc finished third, marking their highest points tally since June. Although Leclerc’s podium can partially be attributed to a well-timed strategy involving a soft tire start, his performance against Norris while on medium tires was encouraging. Lewis Hamilton also demonstrated promise, finishing fourth and fending off Piastri’s challenge.
This weekend’s race will be critical for Ferrari to determine whether their improvements in Austin were a one-time occurrence or if they can consistently compete at the front. Last year, Ferrari achieved a 1-3 finish in Mexico, but the ongoing changes to the SF-25’s ride height and setup have impacted their performance on bumpy tracks throughout 2025. For instance, their struggles in Singapore, where they finished fifth and sixth, highlighted the challenges they face against competitors like Mercedes, Red Bull, and McLaren.
Alpine’s Struggles and Colapinto’s Future
Alpine has had a dismal season, currently sitting at the bottom of the championship standings, on track for their worst finish since the brand’s transition from Renault in 2021. The team’s performance in Austin exemplified their challenges, as their drivers finished 17th and 19th. The internal dynamics also raised concerns, as team orders were disregarded during the race, leading to confusion and a lack of coordination.
Franco Colapinto, one of Alpine’s drivers, has been at the center of this turmoil. Despite being instructed to maintain his position, he overtook teammate Pierre Gasly, who subsequently fell behind another competitor. This incident has led to internal discussions within Alpine, with Colapinto acknowledging the need for adherence to team instructions. As he fights to secure his spot for the 2026 season, Colapinto’s performance in Mexico is critical. He has not scored points since taking over from Jack Doohan earlier in the season and must demonstrate improvement to justify his position within the team.
The Influx of Rookies in Practice Session 1
In a unique twist, the upcoming Mexican Grand Prix will feature a significant number of rookie drivers participating in Practice Session 1. Formula 1 regulations mandate that each team must provide at least two practice outings to drivers with no more than two previous Grand Prix starts. This weekend, at least nine rookies are expected to take part in FP1, including notable names like Pato O’Ward and Antonio Fuoco.
This influx of new talent presents an exciting opportunity for these young drivers to showcase their skills and potentially secure a spot in Formula 1. The high-profile nature of the Mexican Grand Prix, combined with the established data available from teams regarding the circuit, makes FP1 an ideal stage for rookies to impress. Given that the session typically features dusty track conditions, it may not present the most accurate representation of a car’s performance. However, for these aspiring drivers, it provides a chance to make their mark.
For example, Alex Dunne gained attention after finishing fourth in Austria, while Lindblad can use this opportunity to prepare for his anticipated promotion. The participation of so many rookies in FP1 adds an element of unpredictability to the weekend, as they aim to prove their worth in front of team principals and F1 fans alike.
As the Mexican Grand Prix unfolds, the combination of championship battles, driver uncertainties, and fresh talent creates an exciting atmosphere for fans and participants alike. The upcoming race promises to be a thrilling chapter in the 2025 Formula 1 season.
