Mercedes set new record as Max Verstappen overtakes F1 legend

Max Verstappen wint GP van Mexico — Photo: © LAT Images

Mexico City Grand Prix

Mercedes set new record as Verstappen overtakes F1 legend

GPFans looks at the best stats and facts from the Mexico City GP weekend

Ewan Gale

Monday 8 November 2021 12:45

Max Verstappen's stunning Mexico City Grand Prix win edged the Dutchman closer to a first F1 title.

The Red Bull driver's dominance means he has now extended his lead over Lewis Hamilton in the standings to 19 points with four races remaining.

While the race may have lacked drama, there were some great stats to emerge from the weekend, We provide the best here.

Mercedes set new qualifying record

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We have become so accustomed to Mercedes ripping up qualifying over the years it is hard to imagine the shock front-row lockout at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez was the team's first this season.

It was the third in a row with Valterri Bottas taking pole, with the last lockout coming courtesy of the Finn and George Russell at last year's Sakhir Grand Prix nearly a year ago.

Significantly, it was the 81st time in F1 history Mercedes has scored a one-two in qualifying. It now holds the outright record after previously being tied with Ferrari.

Verstappen overtakes Clark

This was Verstappen's third Mexican victory, the first time any driver has achieved the feat.

Jim Clark won three times at the circuit although one was a shared win in a non-championship round back in 1962.

The legendary Scot also had his record for most laps led at the circuit overtaken by Verstappen.

Perez's fiesta firsts

The story of the weekend that put a smile on everyone's face was that of Perez and his competitiveness.

It was the third podium in a row for Perez after strong performances in Austin and Turkey, the first time he has achieved the feat in his career.

During the pit cycle on Sunday, Perez became the first Mexican to lead his home grand prix, before becoming the first to take a podium in front of his home crowd.

With his upturn in form this year, perhaps he can turn that into victory next year.

Pole position lottery

Remarkably, Bottas' pole ensured a 10th Mexican or Mexico City Grand Prix in a row to have a different unique polesitter.

The last driver to duplicate poles at the circuit was Ayrton Senna in 1988 and 1989, with Gerhard Berger, Ricardo Patrese, Nigel Mansell, Nico Rosberg, Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, Max Verstappen and Bottas all taking the top spot since.

Bottas grabs unwanted record

Bottas' pole was the 19th of the Finn's career, moving him into 15th on the all-time list.

By taking him one ahead of Rene Arnoux, Bottas now holds the most pole positions in F1 without winning the world championship, an unwanted record it may be, yet one that proves his undoubted talent.

Popular podium

Verstappen, Hamilton and Perez stood on the podium for the second race in succession and the third time overall, making the combination the 75th most popular podium trio in F1 history.

All in all, there have been 709 unique podium combinations, the most recent new addition coming at the Turkish Grand Prix where Bottas, Verstappen and Perez shared the rostrum.

Red Bull's lofty ambitions

With victories in Mexico, both Austrian rounds and Spa-Francorchamps, Red Bull has now won at the three highest-altitude venues visited so far this season, with another to come at the Sao Paolo Grand Prix this week.