The 2025 Mexican Grand Prix at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, held on October 26, 2025, proved to be a defining race in this year’s Formula 1 championship. Lando Norris delivered a dominant performance to take the win and snatch the Drivers’ Championship lead from his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, while others struggled to keep pace.
Winners
Lando Norris – McLaren
Lando Norris was simply unstoppable in Mexico City. Starting from pole position, the Brit led every lap of the race and finished more than 30 seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc. This commanding victory wasn’t just another win, it was a statement that Norris is ready to take charge of the championship battle.
McLaren’s upgrades worked really well in the high-altitude conditions, and Norris drove flawlessly the whole weekend. His speed, control, and calmness under pressure showed how much he has grown as a driver. With this result, Norris took a slim one-point lead in the championship standings.
- Verdict: A perfect weekend. Norris’s dominance in Mexico might be the moment that defines his championship push.
Charles Leclerc – Ferrari
After a tough few races, Charles Leclerc bounced back with a solid second-place finish. Ferrari’s pace around the tight corners of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit looked competitive, and Leclerc maximized the car’s potential by staying ahead of Verstappen and Piastri.
While Ferrari are out of the title race, Leclerc’s consistency in Mexico provided a much-needed morale boost. The Monegasque driver executed a flawless strategy and maintained strong tyre management throughout the 71-lap race.
- Verdict: A well-earned podium that restores confidence at Ferrari and shows progress heading into 2026.
Oliver Bearman – Haas
Rookie Oliver Bearman stunned everyone with a career-best fourth-place finish. Starting P8, he gained four positions through smart overtakes and clever tyre strategy. His defensive driving in the final laps held off faster cars, earning Haas their best result in years. It’s rare for a rookie to look this composed under pressure, but Bearman did exactly that.
- Verdict: A breakthrough performance for Bearman and Haas; the team’s best weekend of 2025.
Losers
Oscar Piastri – McLaren
The weekend that began with high hopes ended in frustration for Oscar Piastri. Having led the championship for months, the Australian couldn’t find the right balance with his car and finished a disappointing fifth.
Piastri’s tough weekend wiped out his big lead, letting his teammate Norris move ahead of him in the standings by just one point. His lack of pace throughout the weekend was clear, and even McLaren’s strong setup couldn’t save him from losing ground.
Verdict: A costly off-weekend. For the first time, Piastri is the one chasing instead of leading. Max Verstappen – Red Bull Racing
Verstappen’s third-place finish might look solid on paper, but it was far from what he wanted. Red Bull’s struggles at altitude continued, and the reigning champion couldn’t match the speed of the McLarens or Leclerc.
Although Verstappen remains mathematically in the title fight, he now trails both McLaren drivers and needs a perfect run in the final races to keep his hopes alive.
- Verdict: A podium that feels like a defeat. Verstappen’s Mexico form wasn’t enough to close the gap.
Yuki Tsunoda – Red Bull
Tsunoda endured a difficult race, finishing outside the points in 11th place. After a promising qualifying session, he couldn’t maintain race pace and fell backward as tyre wear and traffic took their toll.
This result added more pressure on Tsunoda, as his performances have been inconsistent in recent rounds.
- Verdict: A forgettable weekend for Tsunoda, another missed chance to prove his long-term value to Red Bull.
Why Mexico Was a Turning Point
Mexico City has often produced dramatic races, and 2025 was no exception. Norris’s complete control of the weekend marked a psychological shift in the championship fight. For months, Piastri looked destined to become McLaren’s next world champion, but now, the balance has changed.
Red Bull’s lack of dominance and McLaren’s rapid rise have set up an unpredictable three-way title battle. With only four races left, momentum is everything, and Norris now has it firmly in his corner.
Updated Driver’s Championship Standings (After 2025 Mexican GP)
| Rank | Driver & Team | Points |
| 1 | Lando Norris – McLaren | 357 |
| 2 | Oscar Piastri – McLaren | 356 |
| 3 | Max Verstappen – Red Bull Racing | 321 |
| 4 | George Russell – Mercedes | 258 |
| 5 | Charles Leclerc – Ferrari | 210 |
| 6 | Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari | 146 |
| 7 | Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes | 97 |
| 8 | Alex Albon – Williams | 73 |
| 9 | Nico Hülkenberg – Sauber | 41 |
| 10 | Isack Hadjar – Racing Bulls | 39 |
The 2025 Mexican Grand Prix could go down as the most influential race of the season. Lando Norris’s dominant win, Oscar Piastri’s rare stumble, and Max Verstappen’s quiet podium have reshaped the championship picture.
From here on, every race matters. McLaren’s two young stars are separated by a single point, and Verstappen is waiting for any slip-up. Mexico wasn’t just another race, it was the spark that reignited one of the most thrilling title battles Formula 1 has seen in years.
Written by Kinjal Walantra