Max Verstappen says he does not have the pace to fight for higher than fifth in the Mexico City Grand Prix and needs to stay out of trouble in Sunday’s race.Red Bull came into the Mexico weekend in strong form,

Verstappen, 40 points off championship leader Piastri after a run of three wins and a second place in the past four races, set the pace, leading Ferrari's Charles Leclerc by 0.153 seconds. Norris was fourth fastest, while Piastri, 14 points ahead of the Briton, was down in 12th.

Max Verstappen's championship charge hit a speed bump at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Saturday as he qualified fifth and admitted his Red Bull had been "very difficult" to handle.

Yet after his weekend sweep in Austin, winning the sprint and Sunday’s grand prix for a maximum haul of 33 points, even Verstappen had to soften his stance a bit. “For sure, the chance is there,” he admitted after the race on Sunday. “I’m really just very excited for the end.”

Esteban Ocon briefly goes quickest, before Oscar Piastri improves with a 1:21.570 to retake top spot. This circuit doesn't get much use outside of this F1 race, so there's lots of dust on the track at the moment. That will clear as it sees more and more action.

Oscar Piastri hopes his past experiences can help him in the F1 championship as he prepares for the Mexican Grand Prix.

Four-time champion Max Verstappen said he’ll have to rely on other drivers retiring if he is to keep alive his bid for a fifth Formula One title with