Mexico Grand Prix Preview: Can Hamilton Clinch Championship?

Mercedes may have wrapped up the Constructors Championship for this season but Lewis Hamilton must finish 14 points clear of Bottas to claim the Drivers Championship in Mexico.

Qualifying was full of controversy with Max Verstappen surprising everyone by taking pole position but it later had it taken away from him with a three-place grid penalty for failing to adhere to a yellow flag which was brought upon by Bottas crashing on turn 17.

Leclerc now sits on pole with Vettel in second who showed superior speed but was forced to cancel his fast lap when Bottas crashed.

Hamilton will have a chance to wrap up the Drivers Championship when he starts the race sitting in third place. He will need to finish 14 points clear of team-mate Bottas to clinch the championship.

THE TRACK

The Facts

• Laps: 71
• Track Length: 4.304km
• Race Length: 305.354 km

FROM THE DRIVERS SEAT

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THE WEATHER

There has been rain every day during the Mexican Grand Prix weekend so far, but it has generally fallen in the morning or evening and not had a major impact on track action. A drying track meant a damp FP3 on Saturday, but the race could be the most weather-affected session.

There is a chance of thunderstorms early in the afternoon on Sunday, but if they are to materialise they are likely to develop after the start of the race, meaning teams will have an eye on the sky in case the weather has an impact on their strategic choices.

PREVIOUS WINNERS

2018: Max Verstappen
2017: Max Verstappen
2016: Lewis Hamilton

WHAT THE DRIVERS HAVE SAID

Hamilton:

“I think Mexico is generally our worst race of the year because of the way our car is set up and it’s going to be a tough one for us,”

Vettel:

“Obviously racing at altitude has an impact on how the car feels. We are racing with maximum downforce level in terms of car setup, but, since we are racing so high above sea level, the air is very thin and the cars actually produce very little downforce.

“Over the past couple of years, we have been on an upward trend in Mexico, although Red Bull has been the team to beat. But I think the gaps between us are getting smaller, so let’s see how we get on this year.”

Leclerc:

“The circuit in Mexico is an unusual one. We race at such a high altitude and all the teams try to put as much downforce on the car as possible. Despite that, it still feels quite weird and the grip is extremely low.

“I have done one FP1 and one race there, so it’s one of the tracks that is still pretty new to me. I really enjoy driving there, especially because the walls are quite close and this is something I like as a driver.”

DRIVER STANDINGS

1.  Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) 338
2.  Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) 274 (-59)
3.  Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) 221 (-117)
4.  Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 212 (-126)
5.  Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) 212 (-126)

OUR PICK

Verstappen was electric in qualifying and has great form around this circuit.

Look to back him at around the $4.50 mark.