Perez Out as Verstappen Tightens Title Fight

Formula 1 returns to the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez this weekend for the Mexico City Grand Prix, a high‑altitude 71‑lap, 17‑turn circuit that tests cooling, tyre grip and engine performance. The drivers' championship has tightened into a three‑way fight: Oscar Piastri leads on 346 points, Lando Norris is 14 points adrift and Max Verstappen sits 40 points behind after dominant Austin results. Red Bull have brought a new floor and cooling‑focused bodywork to aid Verstappen, while several teams including Ferrari, Alpine, Williams and Sauber have made brake‑ and cooling‑related changes for the altitude. McLaren have already clinched the Constructors' title. Carlos Sainz will return to race despite a grid penalty, and Sergio Pérez will not compete this weekend as he prepares for Cadillac’s 2026 F1 project.