Analysis for Austin and Predictions for Mexico – By Joe Murphy
The United States Grand Prix is in the books and all eyes are now firmly fixed on Mexico for the next installation of this epic F1 season. Both Drivers and Constructors titles have been decided, but the remaining races still have much hanging in the balance. From F1 careers to the midfield battle, it is still all to play for. In this piece, we cast an eye back, an eye forward and consider what could happen over the coming days and even months, in the sport we hold so dear. Let’s begin…
Rampant Max sets tone for remainder of the season…
If Max Verstappen was to win the remaining races of the season in Mexico, Brazil and Abu Dhabi, you wouldn’t find many surprised fans out there. He is the red hot favourite and the World Champion’s hunger for victories doesn’t seem to be fading. He won rather comprehensively in Austin last weekend, fighting off a determined but inevitably slower Lewis Hamilton to take the top podium step. Carlos Sainz and George Russell both played a part in making it easier for the Dutchman to claim victory, but in all honesty it was probably inevitable regardless. Whereas the romantic fans among us want Checo to win in Mexico, Lewis to win in Brazil and Seb to take first in for aforementioned final race of the season, it seems a lot more likely that the trend we have seen so far this season continues right through until the final lap.
Ricciardo v Schumacher auditions underway…
The pressure is on these two drivers to remain in the sport. It’s almost a certainty now that the Haas seat alongside Kevin Magnussen is the only free seat available, after the revelations by Williams last week regarding Logan Sergeant. Team Boss Guenther Steiner has already had a dig at the young German driver, branding him “too expensive” for his multiple crashes. Furthermore, whilst Danny Ricciardo may carrier a higher fee, the publicity would be huge and potentially lead to higher sponsorship revenue. Both experienced forgettable races in the United States last time out and that means the race in Mexico now has far more meaning. Can either one of these men turn around their pretty rotten respective seasons? If so, which one will claim the prize of a grid slot in 2023. For me, the lure of Ricciardo could prove too strong for team bosses and owner Gene Haas.
Max could let Checo win in hometown…
Well, when I say hometown, I mean home nation. But don’t forget how much Checo has helped Max Verstappen achieve what he has done so far. Most notably in Abu Dhabi last year, lest we forget. With the titles sewn up, Max could easily repay the favour although there’s also a strong possibility that he doesn’t simply let his Mexicans teammate win, not that Perez would want to win this way anyway. For me, this is a doubtful outcome that we probably won’t end up seeing this Sunday. Not going against what I have written above, Max has still got to be considered the hot favourite for victory this weekend.
No more points for Latifi…
Yep pretty confident about this one. Nicolas Latifi will never score another point in Formula 1. They didn’t get any last week and I don’t see either Williams getting another point for the remainder of the season in truth. Not much of a shock but I like to have at least one banker prediction in these articles.
Fernando finished in that car, but highlights FIA issues…
Lewis Hamilton fans will be pointing out the fact that Formula 1’s governing body changed their minds regarding a big decision in a Grand Prix. Fernando Alonso suffered a remarkable collision but somehow still managed to get his car across the line in P7. After initially being stripped of his US Grand Prix points, they were later reinstated mensing teammate Estaban Ocon was out the points, in the points, then out of them again. It does beg the question who indeed gave the go ahead for the 30 second penalty in the first place? Rules are there for a reason and should be implemented in black and white. It seems, as of late, the rulebook has rather more grey areas than the sport may care to admit.
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