Max Verstappen is now Formula 1 champion for the second consecutive season after winning the Japanese Grand Prix, which means that from the Mexican Grand Prix onwards, the main focus is going to be the battle for second place.
Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez are the favourites for P2, with only two points separating between these two. On the other hand, George Russell and Carlos Sainz Jr. are within striking distance and can inch closer this weekend.
Moreover, Red Bull secured their first constructors’ championship since 2013 in the US Grand Prix, but their drivers aren’t done yet in Mexico and the SBOTOP pre-race betting odds are backing them to have another great weekend.
Perez and Verstappen have all to play for in Mexico
Most eyes are going to be on the Red Bull drivers as Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen have valid reasons why they should go hard to get positive Mexican Grand Prix 2022 results.
After clinching his second consecutive world title in Suzuka, Max Verstappen won in Austin, Texas for his 13th race win of the 2022 season to equalise Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel’s record for most wins in a single campaign. If Verstappen wins his 14th, he’ll set the new record.
Furthermore, Verstappen’s recent victory was Red Bull’s eighth straight – which is one short of their team record set in 2013 and it was a touching tribute to team co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz, who passed away last week at 78 years of age.
“It was not made easy for us but in the end of course, extremely happy to win in this difficult weekend for us. I think this was actually a race that Mateschitz would have loved to see,” said Verstappen.
A victory for Sergio Perez, meanwhile, would not only boost his morale but also his chances in the drivers’ championship. His last win was in Marina Bay earlier this month, and he can count on his nation to cheer him on as the fight for second place looks set to go right to the wire.
Mercedes still looking for their first win of the season
Lewis Hamilton has yet to win a race this season, which is shocking to say the least. The seven-time world champion came oh so close in the last time out, only to fall short to Max Verstappen.
However, despite finishing P2 in Austin, Texas, Hamilton was satisfied with his performance, saying that he had an amazing time and he’ll come back stronger in Mexico.
“We were so, so close, I did everything I could to try and stay ahead of Verstappen but they were just a little bit too quick today. But great strategy, great race by Red Bull and again my condolences to the team,” said Hamilton.
“We’ll hold on to that, we’ll keep pushing and we’ll try and give it everything we have in the next three Grands Prix. It will come to us at some stage,” he added.
While Hamilton starred, it wasn’t the case for teammate George Russell as he collided with Carlos Sainz Jr. at the start. He struggled following the incident and eventually finished P5.
Despite coming up short, the Silver Arrows outscored Ferrari to close the gap in the constructors’ standings to 53 points as Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez were demoted with grid penalties.
History
The Autodromos Hermanos Rodriguez has been a happy hunting ground for Red Bull since they’ve won three of the last five Mexican Grands Prix. Max Verstappen was responsible for all of those victories (2017, 2018, 2021), including last season where he beat out Lewis Hamilton and teammate Sergio Perez.
Verstappen is now level with the late Jim Clark with three wins each. Clark won it in 1962, 1963, and 1967.
Valtteri Bottas won pole last year, but to no avail as he finished P15 after he was hit by Daniel Ricciardo from behind during the first lap.
Sergio Perez became the first Mexican driver to get a podium at home following his P3 finish last season, and for sure he is eager to win it all this time around.
What are the odds?
The Mexican Grand Prix 2022 odds fancy Max Verstappen’s chances to win. The reigning Formula 1 champion is installed at 1.35, while teammate Sergio Perez is at 1.75 to win at home.Charles Leclerc is also pegged high at 1.67, while Carlos Sainz Jr., Lewis Hamilton, and George Russell join Perez to battle for the third and final podium spot at 1.95, 2.07, and 2.17 respectively.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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