The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, with its iconic stadium area and altitude-stricken air that exhausts both engines and minds, hosted a Mexico City Grand Prix on October 26, 2025, which was as chaotic as its 71 laps suggested. However, Max Verstappen’s post-race euphoria turned to vindication when the FIA’s update on penalty points, which came into effect immediately after the race, saw three penalty points removed from his license.
This brought him to six points and averted a threatened suspension that loomed after eleven points. George Russell’s “huge revelation” about a multi-year extension of his Mercedes contract until 2028 with a Verstappen clause sent shockwaves through the paddock and confirmed the “formality” of the Briton’s deal amid tensions with rookie Kimi Antonelli.
Verstappen, who rose from P5 to P3 with a daring pass on Norris at Turn 4 (no penalty), but lost a podium place due to a VSC on lap 70 due to Sainz’s spin, saw his lap time of 1:34.567 scrapped due to a suspension. The FIA’s “additional assessment” cited “expired points from Mexico 2024” (two for Norris off track, one for Hamilton’s yellow flags), giving him a “title boost” that ties him with a 12-point safety margin for the sprint in Brazil on November 7, according to GP Blog. Russell’s confirmation of “almost” after the race atGazzetta dello Sport— €20 million per year with “90% George, 10% Max” coverage — reduces youth tensions in 2025 after Antonelli’s qualifying years (7-4 over Russell), but the clause — which has been leaked toThe Race— comes into effect if Verstappen leaves Red Bull after 2026, leaving the 27-year-old “pissed” about the “unfair pressure” amid six podiums and a Canadian victory.
Verstappen’s relief, a lap of 1:34.567 that no longer needs to be suspended, puts him within 12 points of safety for the sprint in Brazil on November 7, according to GP Blog. The FIA’s “additional assessment”, which mentions “expired points from Mexico 2024” (two for Norris off track, one for Hamilton’s yellow flags), gives him a “title boost” that ties him to 12 points safety for the sprint in Brazil on November 7, according to GP Blog. The FIA’s “additional assessment”, which mentions “expired points from Mexico 2024” (two for Norris off track, one for yellow flags from Hamilton) Hamilton), gives him a “title boost” that puts him within 12 points of safety for the sprint in Brazil on November 7, according to GP Blog.
Russell’s confirmation after the race “almost” inof Gazzetta dello Sport— €20 million per year with a “90% George, 10% Max” coverage — calms youth tensions in 2025 after Antonelli’s qualifying years (7-4 against Russell), but the clause — which goes toThe Racehas been leaked — will come into effect if Verstappen leaves Red Bull after 2026, leaving the 27-year-old “angry” over the “unfair pressure” amid six podium finishes and a Canadian victory. Wolff: “George is formidable — both confirmed,” but RussellsSky Sports-outburst: “Details matter — Max’s shadow hangs in the air; we need security.” Antonelli, P8 (two points), raved: “George’s mentor — 2026 is ours.”
Reactions from the paddock pour in: Piastri, P1: “George has earned it – Mercedes loses if he leaves.” Norris: “Tensions? Normal – focus on 2026.” X’s #RussellFuture (1,2 miljoen vermeldingen) peilingen: 59% “blijft” staan, @F1Pulse: “Wolffs Max-obsessie zet George op de bank – Alpine volgt?” @SilverArrows: “Claus is smart – Verstappen is the prize.” As the sprint in Brazil approaches on November 7, Wolff’s bombshell is not an extension – it is anyone’s guess, Russell’s future in Singapore a spark that will test loyalty. With 100 points to go, the Mercedes duo are faltering – Verstappen’s pursuit is a predator grin in the mist.
