Race report and highlights from the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix: Carlos Sainz storms to Mexico victory ahead of Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc, while Max Verstappen hits with two errors for Norris maneuvers

HOW IT HAPPENED

After an action-packed qualifying session on Saturday, in which Sainz took an impressive pole despite changes at the top, a red flag in the second qualifying and a few surprise exits in the first qualifying, it was time to prepare for the upcoming race day at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez the 71-lap Mexico City Grand Prix.

Before the event, a small change had been made to the starting order: Ocon – who had originally qualified 19th – was scheduled to start from the pit lane after Alpine replaced drive elements in his A524 under parc ferme conditions.

As the cars assembled on the grid in warm and sunny conditions and the tire covers were removed, it became apparent that most of the field had opted to start on the medium compound, with Lawson, Bottas, Colapinto, Perez, Zhou and Ocon ran die hard.

When the lights went out, Verstappen had the stronger start than Sainz. The Dutchman was in front as the pair drove side by side into Turn 1, with Norris positioned behind them. The Spaniard then crossed the grass to retake the lead, but handed the position back to Verstappen.

Meanwhile, drama unfolded behind him when Tsunoda spun out in the first corner after contact with Albon's Williams and crashed into the barriers, with the latter being crushed by Gasly. With Tsunoda fortunately escaping uninjured, the Safety Car was called to remove his stricken RB, while Albon briefly limped on before also retiring from the race.