Read this to know about our predictions for the Mexican Grand Prix 2022 which will be held at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez on Sunday.
The stage is all set for the third-last round of racing in the current 2022 F1 season as the Qualifying is over for the Mexican GP, and only the Main Race awaits. The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is an interesting track with some unusual records–such as, the fact that in the last 11 editions of the Mexican GP, 11 different F1 racers have gotten the pole position here. And this time, the much-coveted P1 in qualis went to World Champion Max Verstappen, as he put up a brilliant lap to surpass the Mercedes and his own teammate Sergio Perez, to ensure himself a front row start.
The two Mercedes have been in an encouraging form all through the weekend as George Russell led the standings during FP3 and Lewis Hamilton came second. But in Qualifying, both the racers complained of some power issues with the car, which is why they could not go for the pole. Even then, hopes are high at the Mercedes pit for Sunday’s race since there is a “curse” at the Mexican GP which says the third racer in the starting grid usually ends up winning the Grand Prix in Mexico City.
While Max Verstappen and George Russell locked out the front row, Lewis Hamilton and Sergio Perez got into the places right after them for a second row start. Carlos Sainz filed into P5 with his Ferrari, and after him, surprisingly, it was Valtteri Bottas claiming the sixth spot. The Finn surpassed heavyweights like the two McLarens, Alpine’s, and even Charles Leclerc to earn himself a third row start, to all his fans’ rejoice.
The Race Day in Mexico is expected to shake up the starting grid from the very beginning of the race. Keeping that in mind, here are our predictions for the upcoming Mexican GP!
#1 Max Verstappen wins the 2022 F1 Mexican GP
Getting to the most important thing first, it seems like there is no beating Max Verstappen in his mighty Red Bull, no matter how much the rival teams improve their tactics and straightline speed. But this win will not come to the Dutchman so easily, as Mercedes will be going for the prize as well. In all possibility, the strategists at Mercedes and Red Bull will be engaged in a chess match of their own and whoever comes up with the better moves, will win this round in Mexico.
#2 One of the Ferrari drivers will have a DNF
Ferrari look like they are in for a disappointing race weekend at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. While Saturdays are usually where they show their strength with the superior Qualifying speed of the F1-75, Charles Leclerc could not even go past Valtteri Bottas’ Alfa Romeo yesterday. Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz also complained of problems with the car after finding a P5 start to the race. The Spaniard, after getting pole in the US, had to retire early due to his collision with George Russell. And this time, it seems like the Scuderia will have another early DNF because of the unpredictable nature of the track.
#3 Valtteri Bottas will get a top 5 finish
All the fans are absolutely surprised to see Valtteri Bottas deliver an excellent lap to clinch P6 in the Mexican GP Qualifying. Twitter flooded with comments from them during Q1 on Saturday as Valtteri Bottas filed into P3 with his Alfa Romeo. And then, the Finn succeeded in taking himself into Q2, and finally Q3, ultimately splitting the two Ferraris to get the spot between them. In all possibility, Bottas looks set for a top 5 finish, especially since Ferrari are not having the best of weekends at this moment.
These are our predictions for the Mexican Grand Prix 2022. Races here at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez have always made for an interesting spectacle for the fans, so it goes without saying that a lot of actions awaits the viewers on Sunday. Now, it only remains to be seen who comes out victorious, and who suffers an underperformance in Sergio Perez’s home race.
