F1 Mexican Grand Prix begin sparks debate over Flip 1 equity and security
The beginning of the 2025 Mexican Grand Prix as soon as once more introduced consideration to Flip 1 on the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, which turned the scene of one of the crucial chaotic moments of the season. 4 vehicles aspect by aspect – Lando Norris, Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Max Verstappen – turned the opening braking zone right into a fierce battle with none restraint. The result? Monitor cuts, disputes, and a heated debate about guidelines and equity.
Max Verstappen, positioned on the surface, locked up his brakes and went straight throughout the grass, whereas Charles Leclerc reduce by means of the chicane to keep away from contact, rejoining the monitor forward of his rivals. It was a well-recognized scene for Method 1 followers, as comparable incidents have repeatedly occurred in recent times, persevering with to divide each followers and paddock insiders. George Russell described it as a “lawnmower race,” emphasizing that grass and asphalt run-off areas permit drivers to take dangers with out going through actual penalties. Fernando Alonso additionally voiced his frustration, accusing the FIA of overlooking conditions the place drivers reduce Flip 1 and acquire positions unfairly.
The difficulty, nevertheless, is much from new. Because the Mexican Grand Prix returned to the calendar in 2015, comparable controversies have appeared nearly each season. Lewis Hamilton in 2016, Carlos Sainz in 2024, and now Charles Leclerc in 2025 – three totally different instances, one recurring downside. Slicing the nook is usually useful, particularly when monitor restrict guidelines aren’t enforced constantly.
Questionable options
Potential options? None come with out points. Grass doesn’t sluggish vehicles down sufficient, gravel traps danger throwing particles onto the racing line, and boundaries can be too harmful at speeds exceeding 350 km/h. A format change stays an possibility, however many concern it will alter one of many circuit’s most spectacular sections.
For a lot of throughout the sport, the actual resolution lies within the arms of the stewards: clear, constant guidelines utilized to everybody. If a driver is compelled off the monitor, the one inflicting it needs to be penalized. If a driver cuts the nook with out justification, a right away sanction ought to observe. Solely then might Method 1 lastly put an finish to the continued “Flip 1 downside” as soon as and for all.





