Formula 1: Champion Hamilton to enjoy returning Mexico Grand Prix
Published:
Sam Barnard, Assistant Sports Editor | October 28, 2015
Mexican Grand Prix
- Formula 1
- Sunday, November 1st
- Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City
- Race time: 19:00 GMT
- Live on Sky Sports F1
Hamilton can now enjoy title success
With the 2015 Formula 1 title now secured by Lewis Hamilton, following his 10th win of the season at the USA Grand Prix, the Englishman now goes into the returning Mexican race with the pressure firmly off him.
Both the Divers’ and Constructors’ Championships have been taken, the latter by Hamilton’s Mercedes team, meaning there is nothing left to play for except for pride and preparation ahead of next year.
Now three-time champion Hamilton is still the heavy odds-on 1/2 favourite with Coral to be the first current driver to win the Mexican Grand Prix, which hasn’t taken place since Britain’s Nigel Mansell triumphed in 1992.
Exciting for second place
What is now the more intriguing battle this F1 season, is the duel between respective second and third-placed German duo Sebastian Vettel and Nico Rosberg, who are separated by just four points with three races to go.
They have three victories apiece this year, but it is Rosberg in his faster Mercedes car who is next in the Grand Prix betting at 11/4, while four-time world champion Vettel is a tempting 8/1 shout to be the first Ferrari winner here since Alain Prost in 1990.
One man in particular, though, that will be especially looking forward to this race, is Force India’s Mexican driver Sergio Perez.
The home hope is currently in ninth place in the 2015 F1 standings on 64 points, an impressive 26 ahead of teammate Nico Hulkenberg.
Home hope Perez can continue fine form
Perez has been in top form of late, having finished fifth in the USA and third the race before in Russia, so is a very tempting 6/4 shout to be in the top six and 12/1 for the podium once more.
Speaking ahead of the race, the exited Mexican said: “The races in Russia and the United States have been an ideal way to prepare me for the return of my home race. A podium finish and a strong fifth place have given me a lot of confidence ahead of the final part of the season.
“Having the opportunity of driving in my home Grand Prix is something I never thought would happen. It will be one of the highlights of my career and I have no doubt that this race will become a modern classic of Formula 1.
“Racing in Mexico is, of course, very special for me, but at the same time I should not let this distract me from the fact that it is another race in which I will need to give 100 per cent to bring home a good result,” he added. “I am incredibly motivated to work hard with my team to have another race to celebrate.”
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Coral’s top tip: With in-form Mexican Perez highly motivated ahead of his home GP, back him at 6/4 to finish in the top six.
