Verstappen wins Mexico GP after Ferrari's internal strife

Max Verstappen claimed victory at the Mexico City Grand Prix after a series of events unfolded due to Ferrari's internal conflict and penalties. The race began with a chaotic first lap, where Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton collided, leading to a penalty for Leclerc and a strategic advantage for Verstappen.

Verstappen, who had been denied pole position due to a minor error in qualifying, found himself in a position to capitalize on Ferrari's misfortunes. His one-place grid penalty for a collision with Liam Lawson in FP2 had already placed him further back on the grid, but the chaos at the start of the race gave him an unexpected chance.

As the race progressed, Verstappen maintained control by using the clean air to keep his car cool and prevent Ferrari from challenging for the lead. His strategy of preserving lap times and maintaining a lead over Leclerc proved effective, allowing him to extend his advantage.

The race took a dramatic turn when Valtteri Bottas' car crashed, triggering a red flag. This gave Verstappen a chance to lead the restart, but the revised restart order placed Hamilton ahead of Antonelli.

In the final stages, Hamilton made a final attempt to close the gap, but Verstappen's lead was too strong. His ability to manage the race and maintain a consistent pace ensured his victory. Ferrari's internal conflict and penalties ultimately handed the race victory to Verstappen.

Antonelli finished third, benefiting from Ferrari's struggles. The outcome highlighted how internal team dynamics and penalties can significantly impact race results, giving Verstappen the opportunity to secure his victory.