The thrilling 2023 Mexican Grand Prix at the Autodromo Hermano Rodriguez saw Lewis Hamilton and George Russell showcase their driving prowess, securing strong finishes for the Mercedes F1 team. The seven-time champion took a P2 finish while his partner bagged sixth during Sundayâs Formula 1 event.
Perez’s Misfortune Boosts Mercedes’ Start
The race began with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell starting from the sixth and eighth positions, respectively. However, they swiftly capitalized on a stroke of luck when Sergio Perez had to retire due to contact with Charles Leclerc in Turn 1.
This fortunate turn of events propelled Hamilton and Russell one position higher, to fifth and seventh, setting the stage for an intriguing race.
Red Flag Drama
A pivotal moment in the race unfolded when a red flag emerged on lap 33, necessitating a standing start procedure. Hamilton found himself in third place, with Russell in seventh.
The Mercedes duo made the crucial decision to equip their cars with used medium tires.
Balancing Act at the Unique Circuit
Throughout the race, the Mercedes W14 displayed remarkable pace, a testament to the team’s relentless efforts. The Mexican race track proved to be an exceptional challenge in terms of tire, brake, and power unit temperature management.
Despite the pressure, Mercedes F1 executed a delicate balancing act, optimizing their car’s performance on this unique track.
Hamilton’s Tenacity Pays Off
Hamilton’s tenacity was very evident as he overtook Charles Leclerc in Lap 40. This ultimately paid off in securing a second-place finish in the Mexican Grand Prix.
This comeback was a moment of redemption for the team after facing difficulties in recent weeks and after the disappointing disqualification of Hamilton in last week’s US Grand Prix.
Russell Battles Tire Woes
Russell, on the other hand, faced a different challenge. Despite a strong performance and impressive pace, his race took an unexpected turn.
Brake overheating led to a loss of tire temperature, making the final 20 laps feel like driving on ice according to his post-race interview. Amid the handicap, he managed to secure a commendable sixth-place finish but lamented the lost opportunity for an even better result.
Words from the Drivers
Hamilton expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasizing the collaborative effort to improve the car’s setup. He eagerly anticipated the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix and hoped to maintain their strong pace.
Russell acknowledged the positives of the race, emphasizing the need for consistent performances. He looked ahead to the next race in Brazil with confidence in their car’s capabilities.
Team Principal & CEO’s Perspective
Toto Wolff, the Team Principal & CEO, commended the team’s strong car and expressed his happiness with the results. He highlighted the significance of tire management at the Mexican track and remained cautiously optimistic about their performance in Brazil.
Trackside Engineering Director’s Insights
Andrew Shovlin, the Trackside Engineering Director, applauded Lewis Hamilton’s remarkable drive from sixth to second place. He acknowledged the challenges faced during the weekend, particularly with tire management, and expressed contentment with the team’s performance.
Final Thoughts
In a thrilling Mexican Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell displayed their driving skills and determination. Despite starting from the middle of the grid, they managed to secure second and sixth places, respectively.
The race was a rollercoaster of emotions, with a red flag and intense battles. The Mercedes team’s tire, brake, and power unit management was pivotal in their success on the Autodromo Hermano Rodriguez track.
As the Formula 1 season nears its end, the team is eager to build on this performance and continue to compete at the front in preparation for next year.
