Lewis Hamilton vs. Max Verstappen: Who is Favourite Entering the 2021 Mexican Grand Prix?

Lewis Hamilton vs. Max Verstappen: Who is Favourite Entering the 2021 Mexican Grand Prix?

The Mexican Grand Prix will be the fifth to last race of what is turning out to be an intense and exciting 2021 season. The fight for the drivers championship between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton has been neck to neck, with neither driver letting up throughout the year. Red Bull is also catching up with Mercedes in the constructors while the fight for third place between Ferrari and McLaren is definitely one to watch out for.

The Mexican Grand Prix will take place at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez circuit, sitting at a height of 2000m above sea level. The high altitude conditions have traditionally been a Red Bull stronghold, as Mercedes seems to struggle here. Yet, in terms of wins, Mercedes have the upper hand. Both Verstappen and Hamilton have won 2 races each at the circuit since the beginning of the turbo hybrid era.

2016 was a dominant year for Lewis Hamilton, as he clinched the top spot after a smooth weekend. Max Verstappen however was not so lucky, as a five second time penalty pushed him out of the podium places.

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2017 and 2018 went Verstappen’s way, and came to be known as the circuit came to be known as the Red Bull strong hold. In the first year, Verstappen took an easy win and in the next year he won in a dominant fashion with a 20 second time gap to second place.

2019 saw Verstappen take a hit of bad luck that caused a tyre puncture and he ended up finishing in sixth place. The weekend however went well for Hamilton, who took a comfortable win and was champion of the circuit once again.

Mexican Grand Prix: Who Will be Champion This Year, Max Verstappen or Lewis Hamilton?

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton

Despite the fact that both drivers have equal wins at the circuit, Max Verstappen will be the favourite for 2021. The cars this year seem to be well matched for the circuit, Mercedes could struggle with engine reliability issues.

Ultimately it was Max Verstappen who left the biggest impression on the circuit over the last four years. Seeing as Max took 2 wins with a lead time of 20 seconds in conditions where Mercedes are expected to struggle is not a good sign for the Brit. Yet Hamilton cannot be as easily discounted, as he has been known to make his way up the grid in challenging circumstances.

Also read: Mexican GP 2021: Most Successful Teams and Drivers at Hermanos Rodríguez Grand Prix circuit