The 2025 Mexican Grand Prix ended under controversy after the FIA defended its decision to introduce a late Virtual Safety Car (VSC) that froze on-track battles and potentially altered the outcome of the Formula One title race. Lando Norris took a dominant win for McLaren, finishing more than 30 seconds ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
The race, held at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, was otherwise straightforward until the final two laps when Carlos Sainz spun in his Williams at Turn 14 in the stadium section. The incident triggered an immediate VSC deployment that neutralized the field, halting an intense battle for podium and top-five positions.
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FIA Explains the Decision
In a statement released after the race, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) said the decision to deploy the VSC was necessary for safety reasons. “The car was in a dangerous state and marshals had to enter the track, so it was necessary to neutralize the race,” an FIA spokesperson said.
Sainz’s car had come to rest in a partially obscured area behind the barriers, with smoke visible from the rear. The FIA added, “It is standard procedure for marshals to neutralize the race when they are deployed to the side of the track to recover a car. There were reports of fire risk, and the car’s position was unsafe for on-track recovery.”
The VSC remained in effect until all cars were confirmed clear of the recovery zone and was withdrawn on the final lap, allowing the race to finish under green flag conditions.
Impact on Verstappen and Piastri
The late intervention effectively froze several close battles. Verstappen, who had climbed from fifth on the grid to third, was within striking distance of Leclerc in the closing laps. The Red Bull driver had DRS and appeared ready to attempt a pass for second place when the VSC was deployed.
“The timing couldn’t have been worse,” said Verstappen post-race. “But I’ve benefited from safety cars before, so this time it went the other way. That’s racing.”
Oscar Piastri, who had led the championship going into the Mexican round, faced similar frustration. Running fifth and chasing Haas rookie Oliver Bearman for fourth, Piastri was closing rapidly before the VSC halted his progress. When racing resumed on the final lap, there was no opportunity to overtake.
“It’s disappointing because every point matters at this stage of the season,” said a McLaren team representative. “Oscar had pace, and we were confident he could have gained a position.”
Leclerc Acknowledges Pressure
Leclerc admitted that Verstappen’s charge was making him nervous. “If it weren’t for the VSC, there was a high possibility that Max would have overtaken me,” he said. “But you take the luck when it comes your way.”
The final podium saw Norris celebrate his tenth win of the season, ahead of Leclerc and Verstappen. Norris’s victory catapulted him to the top of the Drivers’ Championship, now leading by a single point over teammate Piastri, while Verstappen closed the gap in third.
Championship Picture Tightens
With four races remaining, the title fight has become tighter than ever. Norris’s commanding form in Mexico gives McLaren a strategic advantage heading into the final stretch, but Piastri’s consistency and Verstappen’s experience mean the championship remains wide open.
McLaren’s team principal praised Norris’s performance, calling it “one of his most complete drives of the season.” Ferrari, meanwhile, celebrated another solid podium finish but acknowledged that pace in the high-altitude conditions remains an ongoing challenge.
Marshal Incident Under Investigation
The FIA also confirmed it is investigating an earlier marshal-related incident on lap three. During that lap, Liam Lawson’s Racing Bulls narrowly avoided two marshals who were crossing the track after a first-lap incident. “That situation is being reviewed thoroughly,” said the FIA. “Safety remains the top priority.”
The governing body reiterated that while the timing of the late VSC was unfortunate, it was applied correctly under the regulations.
“The VSC exists for one reason — safety,” the FIA stated. “Our priority is always the protection of track workers, drivers, and all personnel.”
Looking Ahead to São Paulo
After a dominant showing in Mexico, Norris will head into the São Paulo Grand Prix with the narrowest of championship leads. The Brazilian round at Interlagos, known for unpredictable weather and dramatic overtakes, is scheduled to begin with Free Practice 1 on November 7.
With Norris, Piastri, and Verstappen now separated by just a handful of points, the championship narrative has been turned on its head once again — and every decision, from pit calls to safety car timing, could prove decisive.
