World champion Max Verstappen is threatened with a setback in the Formula 1 title race in Mexico. Although the Dutchman stabilized after his engine problems on Friday, the gap to his World Championship rival Lando Norris was clear in the third training session on Saturday.
Verstappen took fourth place just under three hours before qualifying (11 p.m./Sky). There were over four tenths of a second between him and second-placed Norris.
Oscar Piastri confirmed McLaren’s strong performance with the best time (1:16.492 minutes). Nico Hülkenberg (Emmerich/Haas) was unable to build on his recent good impressions. 16th place was disappointing.
Verstappen only completed 18 laps on Friday due to technical problems with the engine and underbody. The defending champion spoke afterwards of a “useless day” and a “day to forget”.
On Saturday, Verstappen started with a different drive and completed 24 laps. Because Red Bull used the existing pool, Verstappen was spared a penalty.
Before the 20th of 24 races of the season (Sunday, 9 p.m./Sky), Verstappen is 57 points ahead of Norris.
Source: www.sport.de
