F1 Mexico Grand Prix: Max Verstappen wins sixteenth race of the 2023 season as Perez crashes out

The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is the home circuit of Mexican driver Sergio Perez. (Picture: Getty Images)The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is the home circuit of Mexican driver Sergio Perez. (Picture: Getty Images)
The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is the home circuit of Mexican driver Sergio Perez. (Picture: Getty Images)
Max Verstappen claimed his sixteenth win of the season at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

A classic grand prix circuit from the 1990s, reimagined for modern Formula 1, this race track in Mexico City boasts long straights, tight corners and the iconic stadium section.

After the two Ferraris of Leclerc and Sainz locked out the front row, Verstappen took the lead into turn one - and never looked back.

Here's how the race played out.

Key Events

  • Verstappen wins after taking lead on lap one
  • Hamilton second, Leclerc third, Sainz fourth
  • Red flag paused the race after Magnussen crashed
  • Perez retired after one lap - to dismay of Mexican fans

Formation lap begins

The drivers are warming up their tyres - the race is starting very soon.

Max Verstappen has won a record four times here; will he take victory again or do we have an upset on the cards?

Norris going aggressive

Lando Norris is the only driver on soft tyres - he's going to go for it off the start!

The race is underway!

Leclerc and Perez crash in turn one! There's big damage and Verstappen takes the lead almost immediately.

Mission failed for Ferrari - Leclerc has held onto second place but Verstappen has leapfrogged the prancing horses almost immediately. Sainz is third with Ricciardo fourth... Perez is now 20th and last.

Sergio Perez pulls into the pit lane and retires after one lap. Spare a though for the Mexicans who handed over hard-earned cash to watch their home hero race today.

Replay of turn one crash

Oh Checo... there was so much space on the outside...

Car "is okay" insists Leclerc

Charles Leclerc's Ferrari has front wing damage after his crash with Sergio Perez - but he insists over the radio that the car is fine.

Part of the front wing has just fallen off, though.

Lewis Hamilton is up to fifth after Perez crashed and retired; in his helmet he sees very little, save for the rear end of Daniel Ricciardo's Alpha Tauri in fourth.

Heartbreak for Perez

Sergio Perez must be absolutely devastated.

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