Ferrari celebrated a remarkable double podium at the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix, with Carlos Sainz taking an emphatic victory and teammate Charles Leclerc rounding out the top three, showcasing their SF-24’s capabilities at the challenging Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Although starting from fourth on the grid, Leclerc demonstrated his signature blend of skill and adaptability, crucially avoiding major incidents as he maintained position near the leaders through much of the race.
Sainz initially lost his lead to Max Verstappen, but by Lap 9, he retook control after Verstappen’s aggressive driving against Lando Norris earned the Red Bull driver two 10-second penalties. This situation opened the door for Leclerc, who deftly moved into second place, forming a Ferrari 1-2 on track. Though the Monegasque’s control faltered briefly when Norris eventually overtook him, Leclerc expertly regained composure, avoiding what could have been a disastrous exit into the barriers due to tire degradation. Leclerc’s wry sense of humor came through when he admitted to a momentary “oh ( expletive) reaction, quickly followed by a laugh as he worried his language might draw an FIA penalty, joking, “I don’t want to join Max!”.
Constructors Championship in Sight
Ferrari Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur praised Leclerc’s consistency and skillful race management, emphasizing how vital the driver’s contribution was to Ferrari’s points haul in Mexico, especially with the Constructors’ Championship race tightening.
Ferrari is staging a huge comeback in the Constructors’ World Championship. With Max Verstappen finishing P6 in Mexico, and Sergio Perez not even close to the points, the Italian Scuderia has now passed Red Bull in the rankings.
Ferrari’s gap to McLaren, meanwhile, also became bridgeable. Lando Norris finished the race in second, but teammate Oscar Piastri did not progress beyond eighth place.
F1 constructors’ standings:
McLaren still on top, Ferrari on P2
1. McLaren – 566 points
2. Ferrari – 537 points
3. Red Bull Racing – 512 points
Leclerc Building Momentum Again
This season has seen Leclerc build momentum, including his recent podium finish in Texas. His performance in Mexico, overcoming grid disadvantages and tire wear challenges, is a testament to his resilience and tactical strength, which Ferrari will continue to rely on as they battle for the season’s top spots.
Leclerc’s result also underscored Ferrari’s season-long improvements, a promising sign for the Scuderia as they approach the season’s final stretch with ambitions to secure a dominant place in the Constructors’ standings. In the end, Sainz claimed Ferrari’s fourth win of the season and Leclerc’s strong third-place finish—achieved with finesse and a touch of humour —added a valuable boost to both his and Ferrari’s standings as they focus on closing out 2024 on a high.
