Prediction Wars: The Mexican Grand Prix Verdict is In!

Well, it’s Thursday, and that means it's time for our Mexican Grand Prix predictions! 

While I must admit my track record this season has been somewhat patchy—I certainly didn't see George Russell winning Singapore from a mile off—I did get the Texas Grand Prix right, and I'm sticking with the data.

The Voice of the Fans: Verstappen is the Favourite

We went out to our Instagram database and asked our clients for their picks, and the results are incredibly telling:

• 41% of you have said Max Verstappen
• 23% of you have said Charles Leclerc
• 21% of you have said Lando Norris
• 15% of you have said Oscar Piastri

I'm not going to mess with you guys because I backed the consensus last week with Max Verstappen, and it paid off handsomely!

My Senate Grand Prix Podium Prediction for Mexico City:

1. Max Verstappen
2. Charles Leclerc
3. Oscar Piastri

The Apex Predator and the Split Focus

Undoubtedly, the Red Bull F1 team has got its act together. 

It must be a testament to excellent engineering when you have a driver like the four-time World Champion Max Verstappen. That guy is just absolutely driving on the button.

I believe he is driving with very little pressure because, despite the sensational wins, he doesn't honestly believe he has a realistic chance of winning the title after the colossal gap he faced earlier this year. 

So, he's just driving—racking up points, scooping up wins, and slowly but relentlessly closing the gap.

This momentum is really disrupting the narrative at McLaren. While they were busy celebrating their Constructors' Title at their Technology Centre in Woking, Surrey, I couldn't help but think that some focus has been somewhat diluted. 

We have to remember that Zak Brown has never won a World Drivers' Championship with any driver, nor have Oscar Piastri or Lando Norris. 

This high-pressure environment is something they have never managed before, and it could be adding to the stress and the slight dip in performance we are seeing.

Meanwhile, Max Verstappen, with four Driver World Titles under his belt and driving arguably in the best form of his life, faces little internal pressure and is simply enjoying the hunt.

Leclerc's Rise and the Mexican Wildcard

The other major factor is Charles Leclerc. He took a fantastic podium in Austin and is now fully confident. The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, with its tight corners and long straight, suits Ferrari's setup, and Leclerc is always a threat here. Our readers' faith in a Leclerc P2 finish is a reflection of this confidence.

With the championship now tighter than ever, the Mexican Grand Prix will be a pivotal battleground. 

The passion of the Mexican fans and the unique high-altitude challenge guarantee an unpredictable race.

And as always, when the lights go out and the drama unfolds, here at Senate Grand Prix, there is only one winner, and that's you, the race fans!