Max Verstappen urges title caution despite emphatic victory

Max Verstappen talking — Photo: © LAT Images

Mexico City Grand Prix

Verstappen urges title caution despite emphatic victory

Verstappen took a major stride towards the F1 title with a Mexico masterclass

Ewan Gale

Sunday 7 November 2021 22:10

Max Verstappen urged caution over the destination of this season's F1 championship despite utterly dominating the Mexico City Grand Prix.

The Red Bull driver made his way past both Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton in one spectacular move around the outside of the two Mercedes at turn one of the 71-lap race, eventually winning by over 16 seconds ahead of the seven-time champion.

Hamilton's second place means the gap between Verstappen and the Briton is now 19 points with four races remaining.

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Describing the move that ultimately led to his emphatic victory, Verstappen explained: "It was nice, three-wide and it was all about just trying to brake as late as you can.

"We kept it on the track and I went through turn two first and that basically won me the race because I could focus on myself and we had incredible pace so I could just do my own thing."

On whether he could afford to believe about a first title win, he added: "There is a long way to go.

"It is, of course, looking good but it can turn around very quickly but I am looking forward to Brazil. I have got very good memories there."

The atmosphere at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez was electric all weekend, with Verstappen's team-mate Sergio Perez at the centre of attention en route to a joyous third place.

"It is incredible," added Verstappen. "Of course, having Checo as your team-mate, coming to Mexico is amazing but even before that already, the fans here have been incredible.

"They love Formula 1 so it is really nice to be here."