Leclerc Claims P2 in Mexico City Thriller
Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc of Ferrari secured a commendable second-place finish at the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix, held on October 26, 2025, at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. The result marked a strong performance for Leclerc and his team, contributing to a series of recent podium finishes.
The race was ultimately won by Lando Norris of McLaren, who delivered a dominant performance from pole position, leading every lap and finishing a significant 30.324 seconds ahead of Leclerc. Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing completed the podium, finishing in third place.
Race Dynamics and Key Moments
The 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix was characterized by an 'action-packed' and 'chaotic' start. Despite the early drama, Norris maintained his lead, while Leclerc navigated the challenging conditions to secure his position. A crucial moment in the race occurred towards the end with the deployment of a Virtual Safety Car (VSC), triggered by the retirement of Carlos Sainz. This VSC period proved instrumental in allowing Leclerc to defend his second place against a charging Verstappen, who was closing the gap rapidly. Leclerc managed to hold off the Dutchman by a narrow margin of just 0.725 seconds.
Other notable finishes included Oliver Bearman of Haas, who achieved a career-best fourth place, and Norris's McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, who finished fifth. Piastri's result meant he lost the championship lead to Norris.
The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez Challenge
The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit, located in Mexico City, is renowned for its unique challenges, primarily its high altitude. Situated over 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) above sea level, the thin air significantly impacts engine performance and aerodynamic efficiency, making it a demanding track for both cars and drivers. The circuit also features the distinctive Foro Sol stadium section, providing a unique atmosphere for spectators.
Ferrari's Consistent Performance
Leclerc's second-place finish in Mexico City follows a strong run of form for the Ferrari team. This result marked his second consecutive podium, building on a successful outing at the preceding United States Grand Prix. This consistency has been vital for Ferrari in the Constructors' Championship standings, with Leclerc delivering 'solid qualifying and race performance' in recent events.
5 Comments
Bermudez
Leclerc delivered under pressure, brilliant result for the team.
Habibi
Great drive from Leclerc! Holding off Verstappen was key.
ZmeeLove
Leclerc did well to secure P2, especially fending off Verstappen, but the gap to Norris shows Ferrari still has work to do on outright pace.
Muchacho
It's impressive Leclerc held off Verstappen at the end, showcasing his defensive skills, yet the reliance on a VSC to maintain that position highlights underlying performance gaps.
Coccinella
Ferrari's back! Two podiums in a row is huge.