Fans react to controversial race ending VSC at Mexico GP

A late virtual safety car prevented a tense battle between Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc from materialising as fans looked forward to a thrilling Mexico GP climax.

The VSC, which was deployed on lap 70 of 71 in order to recover Carlos Sainz's stricken Williams, meant that Verstappen could not challenge Leclerc for P2 after he closed the gap to within a second in the closing stages.

Lando Norris dominated the race ahead and now leads the world championship from McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri by a single point.

However, as Norris won by a margin of 30 seconds, many fans were holding onto the entertaining prospect of a late battle between Leclerc and Verstappen for P2.

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Fans frustrated by late VSC

An onboard camera from Sainz's car appeared to show the Spaniard pull over behind a concrete barrier at turn 14.

Noticing this, a number of fans have criticised FIA Race Director Rui Marques' decision to deploy the VSC.

One commenter said: "Ridiculous choice. Sainz was nowhere near the track. It could have been easily covered by waved yellows for those two laps. Totally killed two battles for no reason."

Another fans said: "Quite possibly the worst decision. It ruined the end with Verstappen vs. Leclerc and Piastri vs Bearman. Sainz was out of the way on the slowest point of the track, literally not a danger."

Having closed the gap down to within a second, fans were clearly eager to see a thrilling last-lap overtake from Verstappen.

One fan said: "Only Formula One could beg for a close finish and ruin it themselves."

"And for what! Sainz was down an escape road! We’ve been robbed of a last lap showdown!" said another.

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Verstappen has his say on the late VSC in Mexico

Others appeared to see the irony of the situation and noticed joked that the Leclerc had colluded with his former Ferrari teammate Sainz to hold onto P2.

"When you know Charles radioed Sainz to cause a VSC but you cant prove it," commented a fan.

Another joked: "Carlos Sainz still working for Ferrari lmao."

The FIA have since released a statement to clarify their decision to bring out the VSC.

Leclerc relieved to hold onto P2

The VSC helped to relieve Leclerc of the pressure from Verstappen behind.

Verstappen pressuring Leclerc in the final stages of the Mexico GP - Photo: RacePictures

Speaking after the race Leclerc said: "Very happy with this weekend. Austin was very positive but to end up on the podium again is a great surprise. Very happy to be on this amazing podium again.

"I was quite happy about the VSC at the end! My tyres were completely gone. I could see Max was coming back on the softs.

"It was tough, but the VSC saved me at the end."

Oliver Bearman also benefitted from the situation as he fended-off Oscar Piastri to secure a career best P4.

The controversial VSC was not the only safety matter that gained attention during the Mexico GP, as Liam Lawson narrowly avoided two marshals who ran across the track during the race.

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