Max after victory in Mexico named 'Driver of the Day'

Published on 01 November 2026 by Florence Cobben

Max Verstappen has won his third race of the season at the Mexico Grand Prix. The Dutch Oracle Red Bull-driver started from P5, and, unlike his competitors, on the medium compound tyre. After an expertly executed start, he was already up to P2 behind Charles Leclerc within the first lap.

The Monegasque was served a time penalty of five seconds after a trip across the grass in the opening phase, overtaking Ferrari-teammate Lewis Hamilton. Max pulled out ahead of Leclerc after his pitstop, and took the lead.

An intense crash from Valterri Bottas brought the race to a standstill. At the restart, where everyone switched onto new tyres, Max managed to maintain the race lead. The closing phases of the race was - characteristic for this weekend - still hectic, as Arvid Lindblad flew into the wall after a touch with Oscar Piastri, drawing out a safety car. Even though Hamilton was within Max's rearview mirrors from that point on, the Dutchman managed to keep the Ferrari-racer behind him.

Meanwhile, Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), who came in third, has been named the youngest Formula 1 champion in history. Max’s victory as four-time world champion nevertheless didn’t go under the radar, and he was named 'Driver of the Day' for the ninth time this season.