F1 TODAY | Verstappen's 'not my problem' response, as Hamilton assesses title fight
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Max Verstappen on Mexico penalty row: “It’s not my problem”
Max Verstappen brushed off questions about a potential penalty at the Mexico City Grand Prix, insisting “it’s not my problem” after avoiding sanction for leaving the track at the start.
The Dutchman ran wide alongside Charles Leclerc as four cars went side-by-side into Turn 1, briefly taking to the grass before rejoining. The stewards deemed no further action necessary.
However, Lewis Hamilton received a ten-second penalty for rejoining the track unsafely at Turn 4, a call the seven-time world champion described as 'pretty nuts.'
Verstappen, who started fifth, recovered with an impressive second stint on soft tyres to finish on the podium behind race winner Lando Norris.
Reflecting on the race, Verstappen said: “It was just very hectic in a lot of different scenarios, and I felt like I didn’t do anything wrong. On the medium, it was a big struggle for everyone, but once on the soft, it looked more competitive.”
Although a late Virtual Safety Car halted his charge for second place, the four-time world champion kept within reach of Norris, acknowledging that “every Grand Prix must be a win” to retain his title hopes.
Hamilton on F1 title race: “Being the hunter is much easier than being the defender”
Lewis Hamilton has shared his thoughts on Formula 1’s increasingly tense title fight, suggesting that chasing is mentally easier than leading.
“You have got three incredibly talented drivers. I can’t predict how they’re all going to behave,” Hamilton told Sky Sports after the Mexico City Grand Prix. “Of course, Max has won it four times, so he knows what it’s like, and being the hunter is much easier than being the defender.”
Following Lando Norris’ dominant weekend in Mexico, the Brit reclaimed the lead in the drivers’ standings for the first time since Saudi Arabia, now just one point ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri.
“When you’re in the lead and someone’s chopping away at your lead, that plays on you more than if you’re chasing,” Hamilton said.
“If you’re chasing, you have nothing to lose, as opposed to when you’re in the lead, you have everything to lose.”
With four races and two sprint rounds left, the seven-time world champion believes the closing stages “will be exciting to watch.” Meanwhile, Max Verstappen remains within striking distance, just 36 points adrift after finishing third in Mexico.
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