The 2025 Mexican GP marked a decisive turning point in the season, especially for Lando Norris, the McLaren driver.
At the Mexican GP, Lando Norris delivered a rare display of strength. He indeed led the race from start to finish. This was also his sixth victory of the season. And thanks to it, the British driver takes the lead in the championship, one point ahead of his teammate Oscar Piastri.
Lando Norris dominates the entire Mexican GP
Untouchable from the start, Norris maintained his pole position through the first corner. This is a rare feat on this notoriously tricky circuit. Quickly, he broke away and built a gap of over seven seconds in just a few laps.
By mid-race, his lead exceeded thirty seconds over his pursuers. He then managed to maintain a consistent pace and exemplary tire management. This is how Lando Norris turned the Mexican GP into a true one-man show.
Behind him, Charles Leclerc managed to secure a strong second place for Ferrari. Max Verstappen completed the podium after a solid but unremarkable race. The defending champion, starting fifth, was never able to threaten the British leader. Piastri, meanwhile, had to settle for fifth place after a poor start. He also had an overall difficult weekend.
The new championship leader
Thanks to this victory at the Mexican GP, Lando Norris takes the lead in the World Championship with 357 points. He is now ahead of Piastri (356) and Verstappen (321). This is the first time since April that the British driver has reached the top of the standings. A few weeks earlier, he had suffered a mechanical failure at Zandvoort, which cost him valuable points. This victory is therefore symbolic for him.
The McLaren driver now has momentum on his side. Indeed, Lando Norris has accumulated five podiums in the last six races, which includes the Mexican GP. He has thus achieved impressive consistency and regained confidence at the best moment of the season. With four Grands Prix remaining, the internal battle at McLaren promises to be intense. Especially since the team has not won a drivers’ title since 2008.
Andrea Stella, McLaren’s team principal, also confirmed that if necessary, the team would now prioritize Norris to maximize his chances. A strategic decision while Verstappen remains threatening. Indeed, the Mercedes champion is only 36 points behind the leader.
A victory met with boos for Lando Norris
Despite his dominance, the F1 driver was not welcomed as a hero in Mexico. During the post-race ceremony, the crowd booed the British driver. This was a surprising episode for Lando Norris at the Mexican GP. This moment finds its roots in the controversy of the Italian Grand Prix. At Monza, McLaren had asked Piastri to let Norris pass due to a botched pit stop. Some fans judged this decision as unfair.
Norris was, of course, questioned about the boos. He chose humor:“I don’t know why, but it makes me laugh. If people want to boo me, they have the right,” he said. Before adding: “Oscar deserved his victory in Budapest last year, and I deserved my position at Monza.” A calm and clear-headed response that reflected the nature of his race.