F1: Mexican Grand Prix review

Andrew Lewin in Mexico City 02/11/2015 at 10:0002/11/2015 at 03:51

After Nico Rosberg bounced back from title disappointment to win the Mexican Grand Prix, F1i looks back at how the race unfolded and admits it made a poor podium prediction…

The race in 100 words

Surprisingly tame given many unknowns. Turn 1 was all very civilised as Rosberg held off Hamilton, but Vettel got a puncture from squeezing Ricciardo at the apex. Alonso retired immediately, Vettel spun trying to fight back before Raikkonen left Bottas no room at Turn 5 and the resulting contact eliminated the Ferrari. Williams and Red Bull were closely matched, with Kvyat running third before Vettel then crashed at Turn 7, bringing out the safety car. Bottas jumped Kvyat on the restart to take third and Nasr retired with brake failure, while Rosberg held Hamilton at bay for an impressive victory.

Driver of the weekend

Nico Rosberg bounced back from his error in the United States Grand Prix to deliver a very impressive race weekend. Having to quickly reset due to back-to-back races, Rosberg was happier with his car on Friday and looked back to his best qualifying form as he took his fourth pole position in a row. On many occasions Rosberg has failed to convert but he was faultless at the start and never let Hamilton get close enough to attack him at any stage. With the fastest lap to boot, it was a very complete performance and led Niki Lauda to describe Rosberg’s drive as “a perfect race”.

Move of the race

Daniel Ricciardo’s move on Felipe Massa in to Turn 1 was probably the best move in terms of setting the Williams up out of the final corner by taking a tighter line and using DRS to allow him to dive up the inside, but we’re going to get romantic. On lap 50, Max Verstappen ran wide entering the stadium section at Turn 12 and Sergio Perez took full advantage of his momentum to dive up the inside at Turn 13. Realistically, it was an easy move which wasn’t shown live on TV, but those at the track were immediately aware of it thanks to the huge roar from the grandstands. If there was one thing the home fans could have asked for it was Perez making a move in that section. A great moment.

Prediction accuracy

Podium: 1. Nico Rosberg, 2. Lewis Hamilton, 3. Valtteri Bottas

F1i’s pre-race prediction: 1. Lewis Hamilton, 2. Daniel Ricciardo, 3. Sebastian Vettel