"Max Verstappen and Lando Norris engage in direct conversations during drivers' meeting; some drivers view this as FIA acknowledging fault."

According to reports, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris engaged in a spirited discussion during a drivers' meeting in Mexico, focusing on the rules of fair defense and overtaking.

A major discussion at this weekend's F1 Mexico City Grand Prix centered on whether Verstappen and Norris adhered to regulations during last week's event in Texas, where the McLaren driver received a penalty from the stewards.

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According to a report by Sky Sports' Craig Slater, the topic was addressed face-to-face during the customary drivers' meeting held on a Friday.

According to Slater, the drivers' meeting in Mexico City was animated, with Lando Norris and Max Verstappen engaging in straightforward discussions about defense and overtaking strategies.

"I was informed that they behaved in a 'calm' and 'respectful' manner."

Discussions were primarily centered around the rules of engagement and ways to enhance them. Most drivers agreed that the standards require improvement, and there is a need to intensify the current evaluation efforts.

The meeting began with the drivers inquiring of the FIA about the decision-making process used by the stewards in incidents such as the clash between Verstappen and Norris. Their goal was to gain a clearer understanding of how these decisions are reached.

In an intriguing development, the FIA revealed that it plans to revise the language in the racing guidelines and will forward these updates to the drivers for their feedback.

Some people interpreted this as an acknowledgment that the existing rules have been manipulated due to loopholes. However, most individuals viewed it favorably that the FIA was willing to self-reflect and make necessary adjustments.

A different topic debated was if the stewards are effectively applying all the rules at their disposal in situations similar to the Norris-Verstappen incident.

Several individuals highlighted that the regulation against pushing another driver off the track might still be relevant in these situations. They argued that, despite the current guidelines, drivers should not be allowed to force others off the track.

To put it differently, there is a definite and demonstrable difference between navigating a corner properly and taking a corner with the primary objective of forcing another driver off the track.

In the end, it is acknowledged that the regulations will always have some imperfections. There is a desire to refine the language and clarify the guidelines more effectively.

The FIA states that the guidelines for drivers were created at the drivers' request, developed with input from the sport's governing body, and ultimately approved by the GPDA, the drivers' association. The organization is dedicated to refining these guidelines, which have been updated multiple times in recent seasons.

Alex Wurz, the chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), expressed his gratitude for the efforts of the stewards, acknowledging the challenging nature of their responsibilities. He emphasized the value of maintaining a strong dialogue to enhance the consistency of decision-making, noting that progress has been made in this area. However, he also pointed out that there is still potential for further enhancement. Wurz emphasized that the aim is not to impose excessive regulations but rather to ensure exciting races. He believes that with a united effort, the guidelines can be improved for the upcoming season.

Charles Leclerc from Ferrari was requested to share his opinion on the ongoing discussion.

Leclerc commented that while he wouldn't delve into specifics about internal discussions, there was a collective desire to enhance the situations observed in Austin, as it seemed there wasn't a unified approach among everyone involved.

The FIA has shown a willingness to engage in dialogue and has acknowledged the need for some changes.

"In the future, we aim to assist them in making more informed decisions and to choose tracks that potentially generate less controversy than the one in Austin."

"If there are gravel traps or curbs in certain corners, it would simplify things for everyone, but that's just how it is."

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Sergio Perez discloses a braking problem as the cause of his F1 qualifying mishap in Mexico

"This issue has persisted over the past three races, preventing me from halting the car."

Sergio Perez disclosed that a persistent problem with his brakes was the cause of his disappointing qualifying performance at the Mexico City Grand Prix, which took place in his home country.

Perez was eliminated in the first qualifying round, having faced difficulties with speed during the entire qualifying session.

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Perez's poor performance streak persists, with the exception of his competitive showing in Baku, where he vied for a top-three finish.

Perez hasn't secured a top-three finish since his performance at the Chinese Grand Prix back in April.

Addressing the press in Mexico, where Crash.net has a presence in the paddock, Perez detailed how a persistent brake problem is affecting his performance.

"I've been having a tough time with braking," he mentioned. "Whenever I attempt to brake and go hard on it, I end up exerting too much force on the tires, making it really difficult for me to bring the car to a halt.

"For the past three races, I've been struggling with an inability to halt the car effectively. I find myself having to adjust my braking significantly, which is evident from the data. However, we haven't been able to resolve this issue yet."

Perez expressed frustration regarding the performance of his RB20 in slow corners, mentioning difficulties in maneuvering the vehicle.

He further mentioned, "The problem we're encountering primarily occurs in a straight line. It primarily occurs in a straight line. I'm unable to bring the car to a halt.

"I simply find myself sliding excessively. Considering that this is entirely about how sensitive the surface is, it significantly increases the difficulty."

Perez is set to begin the race in the 18th position, aiming to excite the local fans.

The Mexican acknowledged that the problem with the brakes is expected to affect his performance on Sunday.

"The challenge intensifies, especially during the extended periods. I'm committed to exploring every possibility, collaborating with the team to uncover viable solutions," he further stated.

"Clearly, it's quite disheartening. This grand prix is one that I'm particularly eager to excel in. Regrettably, the event has proven to be quite challenging and complicated."

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Thai MotoGP Rider Evaluations: A Comeback Leads to Podium Success in Buriram

Crash.net rates each rider out of 10 following the Thai MotoGP event.

Here are our evaluations of the riders following the Aragon MotoGP, highlighting one racer who impressed with a comeback performance that nearly secured a podium finish.

Francesco Bagnaia – 8

On Saturday, Francesco Bagnaia's bid for the World Championship came to an end. He couldn't keep up with Jorge Martin's pace, and after the Sprint, the defending champion appeared resigned to his fate.

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It remains uncertain if he would have emerged victorious at the Thai Grand Prix had the conditions been dry. However, when faced with the rain, Bagnaia seized the chance. Although Marc Marquez's fall worked in his favor, the crucial point is that Bagnaia managed to stay on his bike without incident.

Bagnaia secured a win with an impressive performance, marking his ninth Grand Prix triumph of the season. This achievement ensures that, even if he needs to reattach the #63 to his Desmosedici during the Valencia test, he will not head into the winter with any sense that he has already reached the height of his career.

Jorge Martin – 8.5

After Bagnaia didn't maintain his high score on Saturday afternoon, Martin faced a similar situation on Sunday. Following his second-place finish on Saturday, Martin found himself in a favorable scenario. Although it appears simpler in theory than in practice, he can now secure the championship by consistently finishing in second place for the remainder of the season, no matter the outcomes achieved by Bagnaia.

On Sunday, he accomplished precisely that. Admittedly, Marc Marquez's crash played a role, but if Marquez hadn't crashed, he likely would have won, which would have cost Bagnaia another point relative to Martin.

Martin's performance earned him an eight, mainly because he couldn't match the speed of his sole remaining rival in the 2024 MotoGP World Championship. Nevertheless, Martin had a strong weekend overall. He started with a 20-point advantage and managed to maintain most of it, losing just three points.

Pedro Acosta – 7.5

During the 2013 French Grand Prix, Marc Marquez encountered numerous errors, estimated at around 100,000, during the initial half of his debut MotoGP race under rainy conditions. However, he managed to correct his course and ultimately secured a third-place finish on the podium.

In Thailand, the situation somewhat mirrored that experience for Pedro Acosta, who veered off at turn three early in his debut MotoGP race under rainy conditions. As he attempted to regain his position, he committed several other minor errors.

His speed towards the end was remarkable. He prevented Jack Miller from securing a spot on the podium and might have even overtaken Jorge Martin if the Australian hadn't resisted so effectively.

Following a crash during the Sprint race that left him without points for the fifth consecutive event since his podium finish in Indonesia, Acosta's return to the podium on Sunday highlighted his quickness. His path to this achievement underscored his versatility and skill.

Fabio Di Giannantonio – 7.5

Di Giannantonio's performance mirrored Acosta's in many ways, but he managed to avoid any errors.

He began the race at a moderate speed, but his performance improved steadily as the competition progressed.

It is undeniably strange that the only Ducati rider who will finish the season without securing a podium finish in either a Grand Prix or a Sprint race is the same rider who has been awarded the third factory Desmosedici for the upcoming year. Despite not winning any trophies, Di Giannantonio has shown remarkable performances at various times throughout the season, and his last race of the year in Thailand was yet another example of this.

Jack Miller – 7.5

Jack Miller was on track to secure his first MotoGP podium of the 2024 season at the Thai Grand Prix. However, during the last two laps, his fortunes changed as Acosta and Di Giannantonio, both exhibiting greater speed, overtook him.

He earns a 7.5 rating like the other two, as it signifies progress from his previous performances. Sure, the circumstances on Sunday were ones he typically excels in, but he still had to perform on the bike, which he did admirably. A heavy rain and a red flag around three-and-a-half laps before the finish would have been beneficial for him, though.

Brad Binder – 6.5

Among the trio of KTM riders anticipated to secure top-10 finishes (excluding Augusto Fernandez, as expectations for his top-10 presence in a MotoGP race have diminished), Brad Binder had the least favorable result in Thailand. He didn't perform poorly; however, his fellow KTM riders surpassed him on that occasion.

Maverick Vinales faced challenges with grip in dry conditions, though these problems were less noticeable when it was wet. Despite this, finishing seventh in the Thai Grand Prix does little to compensate for his 20th-place result in the previous day's Sprint.

Johann Zarco – 8

Securing a place in the top 10 with a Honda in any MotoGP race during 2024 is no small feat. Therefore, Johann Zarco’s eighth-place finish at the Thai Grand Prix stands out as one of the season's most overlooked performances, largely because Zarco isn't competing for the championship title. Nonetheless, his achievement was impressive, especially as it followed his direct qualification to Q2 in Friday's sessions.

Aleix Espargaro experienced a challenging Saturday in Thailand, largely due to the excessive heat from his Aprilia RS-GP, a recurring issue. In wet conditions, he struggled to match the speed of his teammate, Vinales. Ending up 10 seconds behind a teammate usually indicates a tough day, and his podium finish in the Austrian Sprint is now a distant memory.

Alex Marquez – Rating: 6.5

Alex Marquez had a challenging time at the Thailand Grand Prix. He experienced a fall during the sighting lap and eventually finished in a disappointing 10th place. He managed to finish just 1.1 seconds in front of his brother and teammate, Marc Marquez, who had also crashed but rejoined the race. However, Alex performed reasonably well in the Sprint, securing fifth place and finishing ahead of Franco Morbidelli, who was riding a GP24 Desmosedici, while Alex was on the older GP23 model.

Marc Marquez – 6.5

There appears to be a trend of 6.5 ratings on this list, as many racers experienced weekends with highs that were offset by lows.

A prime example is Marc Marquez's performance at the Grand Prix. Initially, he was in contention for the win during the first half of the race. Even after crashing while in second place, he impressively made his way back through the pack in the remaining laps.

There is no question that Marquez would have defeated Bagnaia if he hadn't fallen. Nonetheless, he did fall, and his performance was somewhat disappointing, especially considering his own very high standards. During the Sprint, he managed to secure fourth place but could not match the speed of the GP24 riders who ended up on the podium.

A qualifying crash has concluded what has been a rather inconsistent weekend for the rider. Just a week ago, everyone thought he would dominate the 2025 season, making it unexciting.

Although he might still do it, this weekend he graciously reminded us that he isn't perfect.

Luca Marini – Score: 6.5

Luca Marini appears to struggle with utilizing the hard-construction rear tire provided by Michelin for races in Thailand, Indonesia, and Austria. On Saturday, he only managed to outpace Maverick Viñales, who was grappling with grip issues, and Lorenzo Savadori, who was filling in for Miguel Oliveira. Marini expressed frustration over his inability to enhance the bike's performance.

However, come Sunday, the rain had washed away the more challenging track, bringing him back to his usual position, surrounded by the Hondas and leading his teammate, Joan Mir.

While not remarkable, it's adequate — and it's likely more advantageous to face challenges with the tire used just three times annually instead of the one employed in the remaining 17 races.

Takaaki Nakagami – 6

Takaaki Nakagami remained largely unnoticed throughout the weekend. It seems like he's just biding his time until the season concludes, which is understandable considering his current equipment doesn't allow him to compete for significant positions.

Finishing in 13th place and earning three points is considered quite satisfactory for someone riding the RC213V in the 2024 season.

Enea Bastianini – 7

It's quite strange that Enea Bastianini has been performing significantly better in Sprint races compared to Grands Prix, yet this is indeed the case.

In recent MotoGP events, a rider known for his exceptional tire management has secured podium finishes in the last three Sprint races, notably clinching a victory in Thailand this weekend. However, he has also experienced crashes in two of the previous three Grand Prix races.

During the race in Thailand, Bastianini's accident stemmed from a disappointing beginning. Although he began in second place, he dropped to 13th by the conclusion of the initial lap. His Ducati Lenovo Team advised him against employing the front start mechanism to prevent wheelspin, but this led to lower power in the first segment of the lap.

The outcome was an effort to regain positions. However, he experienced a fall at the eighth turn, leading to a further decline in his chances of winning the title, which have now completely vanished.

Although it wasn't one of Bastianini's top weekends, his second-place finish in qualifying and victory in the Sprint race indicate it wasn't his worst either.

Joan Mir – 7

We might be showing some bias due to sympathy for Joan Mir, but overall, he was performing well over the weekend in Thailand. However, as both races neared their end, things didn't go his way.

The Sprint race took a turn for the worse during the final laps as Mir lost traction. A similar situation unfolded during the Grand Prix. This time, however, he found himself sliding towards Marc Marquez, who had rejoined the race and quickly nudged Mir aside at the third turn.

Mir didn't achieve the desired outcomes, but he demonstrated respectable speed and maintained a positive outlook on Saturday. Given the current circumstances, this optimism seems to be the best he can hope for.

Fabio Quartararo – 8

It might seem crazy to give a MotoGP World Champion an eight when he didn't earn any points over the weekend. Yet, that's the situation we're in.

Fabio Quartararo likely had the speed to break Ducati's hold on the top eight in the Sprint race. However, he was pushed down to 15th place after a first-lap maneuver by Brad Binder, which resulted in him finishing in 10th place.

At that very corner, Franco Morbidelli forced him out of the race during the Grand Prix.

Following the race, Quartararo believed he could have secured a top-seven finish in the Grand Prix. However, similar to his experience in 2022, he was unfortunate with the rainy conditions in Thailand.

Similar to Mir, but even more so, Quartararo showed promise in Buriram, although he didn't achieve the desired outcome.

Augusto Fernandez – 5

Rating the performance of a rider who hasn't appeared on TV from Friday through Sunday is challenging. Yet, a 16th place followed by a Did Not Finish (DNF) for Augusto Fernandez sums up his overall lackluster season.

Alex Rins – 5

For an explanation of Alex Rins' score, refer to the section about Augusto Fernandez just above. With a 17th place finish followed by a Did Not Finish (DNF), the main distinction between Rins' and Fernandez's weekends was the color and brand of their bikes: Rins was on a black Yamaha while Fernandez was on a red KTM.

Lorenzo Savadori – 5

Much like Fernandez and Rins, Savadori went largely unnoticed throughout the weekend, except for his crash. In the end, his role is primarily to occupy a spot rather than achieve impressive results. Given his 21-DNF record, a score of five seems fitting under any conditions.

Franco Morbidelli – 4

Franco Morbidelli experienced a weekend similar to those of Joan Mir and Fabio Quartararo. However, unlike them, the primary factor holding him back from reaching the outcomes his talent hinted at was none other than Franco Morbidelli himself.

During the qualifying session, he had an accident, which resulted in him beginning the race from the 11th position. In the Sprint, he was overtaken by two GP23 bikes belonging to the Gresini team riders. On race day, he initially displayed impressive speed but ended up colliding with Fabio Quartararo, received a long lap penalty, and ultimately crashed, ending his race.

Morbidelli explained that the collision with Quartararo occurred because the Yamaha rider reduced speed sooner than anticipated. To prevent hitting him, Morbidelli had to steer his bike to the inside. For someone not involved in racing, this approach—directing your bike towards the path of the one you want to dodge—appears to be an ineffective strategy for avoiding a crash.

Raul Fernandez – 5.5

Raul Fernandez became a favorite among nearly all motorcycle racing enthusiasts in Australia by securing a 10th-place finish without the use of aerodynamic wings. However, he quickly lost their attention in Thailand, where he finished 14th in the Sprint race and crashed during the Grand Prix.

Marco Bezzecchi – 6.5

Marco Bezzecchi was the first racer to withdraw from the Thai Grand Prix. The silver lining for him is that he only has two more race weekends with the Desmosedici GP23 before he can switch to his new motorcycle in Valencia next month.

The downside is that the motorcycle he’s about to ride is the Aprilia RS-GP. Although Bezzecchi’s sixth-place finish in the Sprint race in Thailand was average, it wasn’t terrible. In contrast, Vinales’ performance, landing him in 20th place, was much closer to being described as awful.

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George Russell addresses concerns over cost cap following another Mercedes accident

"It might be necessary to make sacrifices for the remainder of this season"

George Russell has responded to concerns regarding Mercedes' budget limitations following multiple accidents.

During a practice session for the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix, Russell experienced a loss of control with his W15, just a few days following another crash in Texas.

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Lewis Hamilton also lost control and spun during the race in the United States last weekend.

Mercedes team principal, Wolff, mentioned to Sky Sports in Mexico that there have been several significant crashes in recent races.

"The frame suffered damage. Although we can fix it, it won't be operational at this location."

"The atmosphere fluctuates between high and low."

He mentioned, "After two significant collisions, the chassis requires repairs before the Brazil event."

"It's challenging…"

Due to damage to the updated floor of his W15, Russell is left with no choice but to use an earlier version.

However, he asserted that the harm done to Mercedes’ components will not push them beyond the $135 million spending limit.

He stated that there are no worries regarding the budget cap, as they always maintain a small buffer. Additionally, he mentioned that they constantly evaluate how much to invest in the current season compared to the next.

"At this point, we might need to sacrifice the remainder of this season. Frankly, I would likely support this approach since we are not in contention for a championship."

"I would be perfectly content remaining on the previous level if it improves our prospects for the upcoming year."

"However, I believe we can fix the floor while we're in Austin. That seems to be the strategy."

"The situation turned out to be better than we first thought, and it is anticipated to be released in Brazil."

Russell will begin the Mexico City Grand Prix in fifth position, while Hamilton will be starting in sixth place.

Wolff commented on the problems with their W15 vehicle, stating, "The car only operates effectively within a very limited range."

"When we raced on a fast track in chilly conditions, we were the fastest. Cold weather suits us well."

"When everything aligns perfectly, we have the ability to be fast during a single lap."

"When the tires get too hot, it dramatically amplifies the problem."

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Formation for today's Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix

The lineup for the 2024 Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix.

Here's the lineup for the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Mexico City.

Carlos Sainz has secured the front starting spot for the Mexico City Grand Prix, achieving his initial pole position in the F1 2024 season after an impressive performance.

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The departing driver from Ferrari will share the front row with the current leader in the world championship, Max Verstappen, who managed to outperform his championship competitor, Lando Norris, who will start from the third position.

Charles Leclerc of Ferrari will begin the race from the fourth position, followed by the Mercedes pair, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.

Kevin Magnussen will start from the seventh position, followed by Alpine's Pierre Gasly, Williams' Alex Albon, and his Haas colleague Nico Hulkenberg.

Oscar Piastri of McLaren finds himself in the 17th position following an unsatisfactory exit in Q1, as Sergio Perez begins his home grand prix disappointingly in 18th position, having been eliminated in the initial qualifying round as well.

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Understanding the Regulations: Did Marc Marquez Avoid a Penalty for His Race Suit?

An explanation of a potential rule violation by Marc Marquez during the event in Thailand.

After Marc Marquez crashed while holding second place in the Thailand Grand Prix, his Gresini MotoGP suit was observed to be partially unzipped, raising discussions about a potential penalty.

The eight-time world champion was in pursuit of Francesco Bagnaia, who ultimately won, when he lost control and fell off his GP23 Ducati while navigating Turn 8 on lap 14.

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Marquez attempted to prevent the fall by using his knee, but was unable to regain control as he skidded across the curb on the outer edge of the turn.

After initially being demoted, he was reinstated to 11th place in the race, as it was determined he had adhered to the race officials' directions following a late crash with Joan Mir.

More controversy arose for Marquez when footage from his GP23 showed that his Gresini racing suit had come partially undone.

In a conversation with reporters, which included Crash.net, Marquez admitted that the suit came apart because the airbag system activated.

"The airbag deployment during the crash likely caused the suit to open," he stated.

"There was a significant amount of pressure, and although we had a security system in place, it failed. Initially, it was a minor issue, but as we completed the race, I noticed it had worsened on the final lap."

In the footage from Marquez’s motorcycle, it's visible that the safety latch at the top of his leathers, which secures the zipper, comes undone right when he gets back into the race after his fall.

As the airbag loses air, the zipper slowly unzips further down towards the Gresini Racing emblem on his outfit.

The issue never gets better nor is it fixed by the Spaniard, and it remains evident during the cooldown lap following the checkered flag.

What are the regulations?

According to Article 2.4.5.2 in the FIM MotoGP rulebook, found under the section for Rider’s Safety Equipment, it states:

Every rider under contract is required to start each racing event with a minimum of two full sets of intact safety gear.

"A full collection of safety gear must include:

"Riders are required to wear their gear properly secured whenever they are on the track. In specific instances, such as with the Airbag system, the equipment needs to be available and operational at the beginning of each track session. The Technical Director has the ultimate authority in decisions regarding rider gear."

The summary document from the FIM stewards for Sunday did not include any reference to an inquiry about Marquez’s suit becoming unfastened.

Has there been a previous occurrence?

A well-known incident took place during the 2021 Catalan Grand Prix when Fabio Quartararo's racing suit became entirely unzipped, prompting him to remove his chest protector.

This was found to violate Article 2.4.5.2, resulting in a three-second time penalty for him.

Initially, Quartararo was unhappy about the criticism he received, but he later admitted that the penalty was justified.

During the 2023 Indian Grand Prix, Jorge Martin faced a problem when his racing suit unexpectedly unzipped. He managed to address the issue swiftly, and as a result, he did not receive any penalty.

Marquez's racing suit didn't open as much as Quartararo's, but according to the rules, it wasn't "properly secured" and stayed that way until the race ended.

Although Marquez's other protective gear, like his chest protector, remained securely in position, a subsequent fall could have led to a second activation of the airbag, possibly escalating the situation to a more perilous level.

Crash.net has contacted Dorna Sports to obtain a statement from Race Direction regarding the issue.

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Perplexing Decision: Carlos Sainz Not Chosen by Red Bull or Mercedes

"It's uncommon for a leading team driver to join a team in the middle of the pack."

Carlos Sainz secured the top spot in the Mexico City Grand Prix qualifying session, showcasing his impressive abilities.

The current Ferrari driver, who will be replaced by Lewis Hamilton next year, has decided to join Williams.

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However, his outstanding display during the qualifying session in Mexico has led to assertions that Sainz deserves a more competitive vehicle for the 2025 season.

Karun Chandhok from Sky Sports mentioned that it is uncommon for a driver from a leading team to join a team that is not at the top.

James Vowles and his team have achieved an impressive feat by bringing him on board, showcasing their outstanding work.

"It's disappointing that he won't be racing for Red Bull or Mercedes next year."

Sainz considered joining Red Bull, Mercedes, and even Aston Martin at one point.

Aston Martin quickly secured a new contract with Fernando Alonso, whereas Red Bull instead expressed continued confidence in Sergio Perez.

Mercedes, after careful consideration, acknowledged their interest in Sainz but ultimately chose Kimi Antonelli as Hamilton's successor.

Carlos Sainz was highly sought after, and Williams successfully fended off competition from Alpine and Sauber to secure his interest

Chandhok stated: "Securing pole position only required two laps."

"In Austin and at this location, he has been performing exceptionally well. Unfortunately, he encountered a fuel issue, which forced him to carefully handle the race in Austin."

"It's bewildering that he won't have a position in one of the top four teams next year."

"The person is performing exceptionally well. It's astonishing."

Danica Patrick commented, "His dedication and concentration on Ferrari to conclude the season in such a manner have been incredibly remarkable."

"He's performed amazingly throughout the year, facing significant challenges in deciding his direction and actions."

"He's performed consistently well throughout the year, and I really hope he secures a victory for his own satisfaction."

When you observe that lap, his hands remain incredibly steady. He skillfully navigates the curves, with the car perfectly in sync with him.

Chandhok responded by saying, "He's consistently demonstrated a fluid driving style. He's also quite thoughtful."

"When he feels the wheels slipping, he shifts into a higher gear and constantly seeks to speed up."

"He's quite intellectual. That lap was executed with exceptional skill."

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Charles Leclerc candidly admits to being "nowhere" in performance during Mexico F1 qualifying

Charles Leclerc concedes that he has been off the pace throughout the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend.

Charles Leclerc has admitted that his speed has been significantly lacking throughout this weekend's F1 Mexico City Grand Prix.

Leclerc managed to clinch fourth place for the race on Sunday, as his Ferrari colleague Carlos Sainz surged ahead to grab the pole position.

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The driver from Monaco cobbled together a messy last lap during the third qualifying session, struggling with excess steering in the car's rear through the mid-section of the lap.

Throughout the sessions in Mexico this weekend, Sainz has consistently outpaced Leclerc.

After the qualifying round, Leclerc offered a candid evaluation of his performance during an interview with Sky Sports F1.

"I felt completely off pace," Leclerc remarked. "As soon as I hopped into the car for FP2, I realized I just wasn't in sync with it.

"In the third practice session, I was also off the pace. Similarly, during qualifying, I didn't make an impact. The best I could have achieved was fourth place."

At the Circuit of the Americas, the narrative was much the same, as Leclerc had a tough time during the qualifying rounds but then shone brightly during the actual race.

Leclerc surged to the front in the first lap of the United States Grand Prix, having begun the race from the fourth position.

He subsequently took command of the race, leading from the front to clinch his third victory of the season.

Leclerc mentioned, "What slightly lifts my spirits is believing that, based on yesterday's race speed, I might be the quickest."

"Reflecting on the speed during the race, especially considering yesterday's performance. Yet, beginning from the fourth position complicates matters for me. I simply didn't have the right sensation."

"I'm aware that my approach to driving doesn't fare as well on tracks with low grip, particularly during qualifying rounds, such as at Monza and this location. However, in Monza, things turned out favorably during the race."

"I'm quite sure we'll have the speed needed in the race tomorrow, but getting off to a strong start will be crucial for me to compete for the victory."

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Headline-Making Discussions Between Fernando Alonso and Red Bull Uncovered This Year

"During that period, Sergio's contract was still up in the air…

Christian Horner revealed that Fernando Alonso had been exploring options by initiating initial discussions with Red Bull earlier this year.

Throughout the years, the interactions between Alonso and Red Bull have been widely reported. However, it has only recently come to light that they actually got in touch in 2024.

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At the start of this season, Red Bull had already signed contracts with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez when Alonso reached out to them.

"At that point, Sergio's contract had not been renewed," Horner clarified.

"As an experienced professional, Fernando consistently seeks to understand all of his available choices."

"He's constantly evaluating the market with his long-time manager or advisor, Flavio Briatore."

"This demonstrates his intense drive and competitive nature. Even at 43, he continues to perform exceptionally."

"He's maintaining excellent physical condition, which proves that age is merely a figure."

"He remains an exceptionally skilled Formula 1 driver, and with the right resources, I have no doubt he would lead the pack."

Alonso chose to sign a fresh contract with Aston Martin, committing himself to the team through the conclusion of 2026.

This implies that the two-time Formula 1 champion could finish his career without ever driving for Red Bull, even though there have been several close opportunities.

Horner discussed the occasions when he nearly signed Alonso.

"He is an exceptionally strong rival. I recall traveling to Madrid after his initial McLaren tenure in 2008 and making efforts to have him join our team," Horner mentioned.

"Our aim was to secure a two-year contract, but he was only willing to agree to a single-year agreement."

"We believed he already had an agreement with Ferrari up his sleeve at that time. As a result, we couldn't reach an agreement."

"If he had joined us back in 2009, the situation might have been somewhat different."

"By the middle of the 2009 season, he firmly believed that if he had the chance to drive our car, he could still secure the championship title that year. That was the decisive moment."

"We later talked… I recall being with him and Adrian Newey in the back of a rental car at Spa Airport."

"It was likely in 2011 or perhaps 2012 when the transition from Ferrari began, and even at the start of this year."

"It's amazing how long his career has lasted, how competitive he is, and the impressive stats that reflect his talent and skills."

"Winning just two world championships doesn't fully reflect his talent. He deserved to have won more."

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Lando Norris affirms the new floor meets team expectations despite being 0.3 seconds behind

"Should it have been an improvement of two to three-tenths, securing the top position would be straightforward. However, we're dealing with minor details, significantly less than what outsiders might assume."

Lando Norris has affirmed that McLaren's latest floor enhancement is meeting the team's expectations perfectly, even though it's 0.3 seconds slower than Ferrari in the F1 qualifiers for the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Norris is set to kick off Sunday’s race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in the third position on the grid.

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McLaren dominated the final practice session, securing the top two positions, but their competitive edge diminished as the qualifying rounds advanced.

The Woking-based team was decisively defeated by Ferrari in Austin during their last race, prompting McLaren to deploy an upgraded floor for the upcoming weekend.

Despite being roughly three-tenths behind Carlos Sainz, Norris has verified that the recent upgrade is functioning as planned.

During the FIA press briefing in Mexico, where Crash.net is on-site in the paddock, Norris commented, "Nope, it's performing precisely as the team anticipated. It's beneficial. But yeah."

"If we had improved by two or three-tenths, I believe we would comfortably be in the top position, but we're dealing with very minor adjustments, significantly smaller than what outsiders might assume."

"Discussing improvements usually involves mentioning marginal gains of one, two, or three-tenths, but it's not even reaching that level."

Norris believes he pushed his McLaren to its full potential during the qualifying round, acknowledging that he was "pushing to the edge" on his last lap in Q3.

Discussing his qualifying performance, Norris mentioned: "I pushed to my maximum, there was no room for improvement in my speed. It's primarily because the other drivers didn't fully capitalize on their opportunities. In almost every turn, I was on the verge of skidding and committing errors.

"In my third qualifying run, I managed to pull off that performance in a single lap, but there was absolutely no chance of squeezing an additional three-tenths of a second from the car. It was more about them simply going faster. I had already pushed the car to its maximum in the first and second qualifying rounds."

"Made us appear as the front-runners, yet truthfully, since the first practice, Ferrari has been leading the pack, with Carlos leading the charge today. It will be tough to surpass them tomorrow."

Norris aims to reduce Verstappen's 57-point advantage in the championship standings, as the Red Bull competitor begins the race just one position ahead in second place.

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Red Bull criticizes "armchair experts" for their comments on Sergio Perez's race engineer. Christian Horner stands by Hugh Bird following criticism in Mexico.

Christian Horner has responded to detractors who, armed with only "1% of the facts," have criticized Sergio Perez's race engineer.

The head of Red Bull was informed about the disapproval directed at Hugh Bird in Mexico, which is where this weekend's grand prix is being held, and is also the homeland of Perez.

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Since 2021, Bird has served as the race engineer communicating with Perez during competitions, but it appears he is currently under scrutiny from critics in Mexico.

"Listen, as a race engineer communicating with the driver, you're in the spotlight, and in today's digital age, everyone has something to say," Horner replied.

"Each person has their own perspective on matters."

"I believe Hugh performs exceptionally well. He is an incredibly intelligent individual."

"He has matured within the team, consistently putting in his utmost effort to support his driver and the entire team."

"It's quite severe for individuals to make judgments and offer criticism from the outside when they're only aware of roughly 1% of the actual circumstances he's managing."

"The best aspect of making everything accessible in Formula 1 is the level of access we are currently providing."

"The drawback is the influx of self-proclaimed experts and enthusiasts that it attracts."

Hugh Bird is an exceptionally skilled engineer and a crucial member of our group, so I believe that any negative remarks about him are unjust.

The pressure on Perez is set to increase following his disappointing performance in the qualifying round for his home event at the F1 Mexico City Grand Prix.

Perez acknowledged that his performance this season has been "terrible" and ended up qualifying in 18th place.

Helmut Marko grimly informed Sky Germany that, regrettably, the anticipated improvement has not occurred.

Red Bull is considering bringing in Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda as potential replacements if they decide to part ways with Perez.

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George Russell compelled to use 'Miami-spec' floor due to 'unnecessary' incidents

George Russell has disclosed that his Mercedes F1 vehicle is equipped with a floor last utilized in Miami.

George Russell has disclosed that he had to revert to using a floor previously raced in Miami due to a series of "quite unnecessary" accidents he experienced.

Russell experienced two significant accidents in consecutive races, which resulted in him not being able to use Mercedes' latest update.

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Owing to a lack of components, the driver from Britain is operating a version of the floor that's designed for Miami.

Despite this, he easily surpassed his Mercedes colleague Lewis Hamilton in the qualifiers, who was utilizing the latest upgrade.

The seven-time world champion expressed confusion over the new package's slow performance, mentioning, "I'm looking forward to seeing the data since I'm using the updated car, which is supposed to be faster. However, I don't believe it's performing as expected."

Following the qualifying round in Mexico, where Crash.net is on-site in the paddock, Russell acknowledged that finishing in fifth place was the highest achievement possible considering he's using older components in his car.

"Indeed, for FP1, we're still figuring out why it performed so exceptionally well," he remarked.

"Today turned out to be an exceptionally great day, especially considering we started from the third position on a track where we last competed in Miami, which, if I'm not mistaken, was about 14 races back. Honestly, I believe we maximized our potential."

During the second practice session, Russell's Mercedes veered off course at Turn 8, causing a significant interruption to the proceedings.

The double Formula 1 Grand Prix champion firmly stated that his recent series of accidents is not due to excessive driving, but rather because "the car suddenly snaps."

Discussing his accident on Friday, he shared, "We have a clear understanding of the incident. Essentially, when you observe the Red Bulls, they navigate that kerb effortlessly without any issues.

"Over the past couple of years, I've consistently utilized that curb on every lap. During the first practice session, I managed to go over the curb four times without any issues. However, out of nowhere, as you might have seen in the replay, when I struck it this time, it felt as though I was bouncing like a kangaroo."

"Indeed, it was quite a letdown. Over the past fortnight, the strain on the team has immensely increased due to a shortage of spare parts. It's somewhat baffling and seems unwarranted, as it isn't a result of pushing the car too hard. Rather, it appears the car itself is causing the issue."

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