Local Hero Perez out on the First Lap!
Mexico City, October 29, 2023 – The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez witnessed high-speed drama and heartbreak as the 2023 Formula 1 Mexico Grand Prix delivered an action-packed race. In an unforgettable opening lap, the local hero and Red Bull Racing driver, Sergio Perez, found himself at the centre of a devastating collision with Scuderia Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
As the lights went out and the race began, the crowd’s cheers quickly turned to gasps when Perez, trying to repeat Verstappen’s brilliant overtake move from the outside in the 2022 grand prix, only to have the aggressive move backfire, causing a collision between himself and Scuderia Ferrari driver, Charles Leclerc who found himself sandwiched between both Red Bull Racing drivers with nowhere to go. The failed pass attempt to win the grand prix on the first lap failed, and the move ultimately led to a bitter end for the Mexican fans’ hopes for a home victory.
The drama intensified when, at the halfway point of the Grand Prix, a red flag was brought out due to Haas Formula 1 driver Kevin Magnussen’s right-rear suspension breaking. The subsequent crash into the race barriers resulted in a massive shunt, and once the track was deemed safe again, all remaining cars lined up on the grid for a standing restart.
This twist in the race order had consequences for some, notably Lando Norris, who started the Grand Prix in 17th position due to a disappointing Q1 qualifying exit. The standing restart caused Norris to lose several spots, but his determination was palpable. He charged through the field twice, ultimately earning the coveted “Driver of the Day” title and finishing in an impressive 5th position.
Impressive performances of the day included Max Verstappen who earned a record-breaking 16th win of the season, Lewis Hamilton who secured a 2nd place finish, Daniel Ricciardo of Scuderia AlphaTauri finishing in 7th position and earning valuable points for his team, and finally Lando Norris who put his head down and drove hard, never giving up.
The 2023 Mexican Grand Prix saw a total of five retirements – Sergio Perez (Red Bull Racing), Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), Lance Stroll (Aston Martin), Kevin Magnussen (Haas Formula 1), and Logan Sargeant (Williams Formula 1).
With the dust finally settling on the 2023 Mexican Grand Prix, attention now turns to the Brazilian Grand Prix, set to unfold in less than a week’s time. Stay tuned for more thrilling racing action!
RESULTS
Photo Credit: F1
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