The upcoming Mexico City Grand Prix holds great significance for Red Bull driver Sergio Pérez as he returns to his home race. Despite an impressive season, Pérez finds his future at Red Bull called into question, fueling anticipation for his performance at the upcoming race.
Pérez’s achievements are noteworthy. He is among the select few who have won a Grand Prix this year, contributing to Red Bull’s consecutive Constructors’ Championship wins. Currently second in the Drivers’ Championship, he has widened the gap with Lewis Hamilton after a strong performance in Austin. In addition, Pérez is one of only five drivers to secure a pole position this season and one of four with multiple poles.
Surprisingly, many articles, including my own, continue to speculate about Pérez’s seat at Red Bull beyond 2024. Nonetheless, he remains determined as he heads to Mexico, where he can count on the unwavering support of his home crowd.
Reflecting on his performance at the USGP, Pérez stated, “We know what we did wrong during the weekend, so we’re optimistic about future races. We need to learn from our mistakes and build on the positive aspects to ready ourselves for Mexico. There is more pace to be found, and I’m truly looking forward to my home Grand Prix.”
Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner commended Pérez’s efforts in Austin, emphasizing his improved pace and expressing confidence in his performance for the upcoming race in Mexico. As all eyes turn to Mexico, the anticipation builds for Pérez to exceed his personal best of a P3 finish in his home race and silence the skeptics.
Another story worth exploring is that of Logan Sargeant, who has secured his maiden F1 point. However, his future remains uncertain as Williams is yet to confirm his seat for the 2024 season. Sargeant’s status hinges on meeting certain benchmarks outlined by Team Principal James Vowles. Although the specific criteria remain undisclosed, Sargeant’s recent performance in the United States Grand Prix, where he finished 12th and ultimately claimed 10th due to the disqualifications of Hamilton and Leclerc, is a significant milestone for him.
Sargeant expressed his elation at earning his first F1 point on home soil, highlighting the progress both he and the team have made throughout the season. This achievement also marks him as the first American driver since 1993 to secure F1 points. While this result may help in securing his spot for next season, continued consistent performances, such as in Mexico City, will undoubtedly strengthen his case.
In the battle for second place in the Constructors’ Championship, Mercedes and Ferrari experienced a fascinating twist in Austin. Initially, Mercedes appeared to extend their lead over Ferrari after Hamilton’s apparent second-place finish. However, both Hamilton and Leclerc faced disqualification due to non-compliance with F1’s Technical Regulations, allowing Ferrari to narrow the gap. Currently separated by a mere 22 points, the Mexico City race plays a pivotal role in determining which team will ultimately claim the runner-up spot at season’s end.
During the United States Grand Prix, Aston Martin brought a range of upgrades, including a new floor, to optimize their performance. Despite a challenging qualifying session that forced Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso to start from the pit lane, both drivers demonstrated their skill on the track. Stroll finished an impressive ninth and ultimately secured seventh place due to the double disqualification. Alonso’s unfortunate retirement with floor damage occurred near the end of the race. With the Mexican Grand Prix offering additional practice sessions, Aston Martin aims to further capitalize on their upgraded AMR23 to achieve a favorable qualifying position.
McLaren’s remarkable transformation throughout the season deserves recognition. From initially struggling to secure points, the team has experienced a tremendous resurgence. Their remarkable haul of 225 points since the Canadian Grand Prix has propelled them to fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship, behind only Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes. With newfound momentum, McLaren has become the team to beat, raising the question of their potential as a true title contender in 2024.
The post “The Mexico City Grand Prix: Thrilling Storylines Unfold on Home Turf and Beyond” appeared first on The Boston News Tribune.
Boston News Tribune 