F1 results today: Max Verstappen dealt a major blow as F1 rivals clashed at the Mexican GP

Max Verstappen has suffered a major setback to its Grand Prix weekend in Mexico when two of its Formula One rivals collided in the first session of the weekend.

The Dutchman only managed to set the fourth fastest time after being forced to return to the pits Red Bull had power issues, a major setback for the team.

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“Something is wrong with the engine mate. I don’t know… he’s not behaving well!” Verstappen reported to his team.

If Red Bull’s engine problems persist, it could pose another problem for Verstappen’s GP weekend in Mexico, especially if McLaren can capitalize on their struggles.

However, it was George Russell and Carlos Sainz who set the top two times in FP1 as they appear to have an early advantage.

VCARB star Yuki Tsunoda completed the top three, driving half a second faster than Sergio Perez in the Red Bull, aiming to prove himself worthy of replacing the Mexican racer in the main team.

The session had barely begun when a red flag was waved because a piece of debris had been left on the track Kimi Antonelli Lewis Hamilton’s car drove over it Mercedes.

A second red flag was raised halfway through the session when Alex Albon And Ollie Bearmanin competition for Ferrari instead Charles Leclerccollided.

The Williams crashed at Turn 10 while the Ferrari was parked further down the road and suffered suspension failure after Albon drove at high speed towards the slowing Ferrari and lost his car.

When Albon lost control of Bearman’s car, both drivers were forced to abandon the session and return to the garage.

Ferrari is now just eight points behind Red Bull in the constructors’ championship, so the performance of both teams in Mexico is crucial for the 2024 championship.

Five rookies also competed in FP1 in Mexico: Antonelli replaced Hamilton, Bearman replaced Leclerc, Pato O’Ward drove in place of Lando Norris, Felipe Drugovich replaced Fernando Alonso and Robert Shwartzman replaced Zhou Guanyu at Sauber.

READ MORE: Ferrari crashes out of Mexican GP as drivers collide

F1 FP1 results: 2024 Mexican Grand Prix

1.George Russell [Mercedes] – 1:17.998 sec
2. Carlos Sainz [Ferrari] – +0.317 sec
3. Yuki Tsunoda [VCARB] – +0.701 sec
4. Max Verstappen [Red Bull] – +0.841 sec
5. Nico Hulkenberg [Haas] – +0.906 sec
6. Oscar Piastri [McLaren] – +0.960 sec
7. Esteban Ocon [Alpine] – +0.998 sec
8. Valtteri Bottas [Kick Sauber] – +1,050 sec
9. Liam Lawson [VCARB] – +1.095 sec
10. Sergio Perez [Red Bull] – +1.096 sec
11. Franco Colapinto [Williams] – +1.111 sec
12. Kimi Antonelli [Mercedes] – +1.202 sec
13. Pato O’Ward [McLaren] – +1.297 sec
14. Kevin Magnussen [Haas] – +1.337 sec
15. Pierre Gasly [Alpine] – +1.342 sec
16. Lance Stroll [Aston Martin] – +1.602 sec
17. Alex Albon [Williams] – +1.814 sec
18. Felipe Drugovich [Aston Martin] – +1.821 sec
19. Robert Shwartzman [Kick Sauber] – +1,990 sec
20. Oliver Bearman [Ferrari] – +3.258 sec

Who is the current F1 world champion?

Max Verstappen is the reigning F1 champion and currently leads the 2024 World Championship Drivers Championship.

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