The last 10 editions of the Grand Prix at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez had a different driver on pole. This year would be no different. With Verstappen winning the race in 2021, 2018 and 2017 he never started from first place on the grid. 2022 would be the first time Max was on pole position in Mexico and becoming the 11th different driver in a row on pole position at the circuit in Mexico City.
A funny coincidence is that the podium in 2022 is exactly the same as 2021. Even the difference in the finish times of the top 3 is very similar to that of 2021:
2021- Max Verstappen (1:38:39.086)
- Lewis Hamilton (+16.555)
- Sergio Pérez (+17.752)
- Max Verstappen (1:38:36.729)
- Lewis Hamilton (+15.186)
- Sergio Pérez (+18.097)
Record breaking race in Mexico
With his win in Mexico, Max Verstappen broke two records. With this win, he lifted his total to 14 victories in a single season, making him the record holder for most wins in one season. The old record was held by Michael Schumacher (2004) and Sebastian Vettel (2013).
The other record Verstappen broke this weekend was a record held by Lewis Hamilton, the record for most points in a single season. The old record dates back to 2019, when Hamilton scored a total of 413 points. Max now has a total of 416 points.
With still two races to go in this season, Verstappen has every chance to improve his own records.
Mclaren vs Alpine & the battle for 2nd
Before the Mexico City Grand Prix Alpine was 4th in the constructor standings with a 11 point lead on McLaren. With Fernando Alonso not finishing the race, has McLaren been able to reduce the point deficit on Alpine to 7. With 2 races (and 1 sprint race) to go, this can be an exciting battle.
Also the 2nd place in the driver championship can be an exciting battle for the last two races. Sergio Pérez is now in second place in the championship with only 5 points more than Charles Leclerc in third place; both drivers have all to fight for.
Next up: Brazilian Grand Prix
On November 13, the penultimate race of the year will be held, the Brazilian Grand Prix. As usual, the Autódromo José Carlos Pace in São Paulo will be the stage for the race. Last year the race was won by Lewis Hamilton from 10th on the grid, making him one of the most successful drivers on the circuit in Brazil. Hamilton won the race 3 times, was on the podium 6 times and was for 3 times the fastest driver in qualifying.
Last sprint race of 2022 season
Just like last year, this year the Brazilian Grand Prix will host the last sprint race of the year. With the introduction of the sprint races in 2021 only two different drivers have won a sprint race up to now; Valtteri Bottas & Max Verstappen.
Previous sprint races:
- 2022 Austrian Grand Prix - Max Verstappen
- 2022 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix - Max Verstappen
- 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix - Valtteri Bottas
- 2021 Italian Grand Prix - Valtteri Bottas
- 2021 British Grand Prix - Max Verstappen