© Sebastian Kawka for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix ltd.
Former Formula 1 driver Jolyon Palmer says Lewis Hamilton “losing just seven points in the title race is a perfectly acceptable outcome”.
In his Formula1.com column Jolyon Palmer said he believes that, considering the circumstances, the Mexican Grand Prix went well for Lewis Hamilton.
“Max Verstappen’s Mexican Grand Prix victory has taken him to a 19-point lead in the championship, and with back to back wins there is a feeling that this is fast becoming his title to lose as we get to the final four races,” Palmer wrote.
“Oddly though, I think Hamilton can be happy with the Mexico City Grand Prix outcome.
“This is a circuit that has always been an Achilles’ heel for the mighty Mercedes team, and it’s always been a stronghold for Red Bull – even when they couldn’t even dream of competing over a season, they could comfortably win in Mexico.
“In a season where Red Bull can win almost anywhere, the thought of them being beaten in Mexico was virtually inconceivable.
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“The high-altitude nature of the circuit suits them down to the ground. Thin air at 2,500m above sea level means all of the teams are desperate to add as much downforce as possible to the car, and any circuit where maximum downforce is required suits the high-rake philosophy of the Red Bull.
“They have also been comparatively strong at circuits like Monaco and Zandvoort for example.”
Surprisingly, though, Mercedes managed to lock out the front row in Qualifying. Palmer however says this was an anomaly.
“Qualifying on Saturday did throw a spanner in the works, as it looked as though Red Bull couldn’t get their soft tyres into the right working window in Q3 and were beaten by the Silver Arrows to the front row, much to everyone’s surprise – including Mercedes themselves.
“But on Sunday we saw the true pace difference of the cars, and it was clear that Mercedes were no match for Red Bull in Mexico once again.
“So given that, Hamilton losing just seven points in the title race is a perfectly acceptable outcome,” Palmer concluded.
