Mexican Grand Prix tips, predictions and best bets: Lewis Hamilton to triumph at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez

Four Mexican Grand Prix wins in the last five events and on the cusp of breaking his own record for most victories in a single season (Verstappen tied last year's total of 15 last weekend)

All signs point to hearing the Dutch national anthem again on Sunday night.

But, maybe, just maybe, some change is just around the corner...

 

Lewis Hamilton win

Call us stupid, call us crazy, but someone other than Max Verstappen could actually win a race before the F1 2023 season concludes.

With Red Bull a million miles in front, they could afford to stop developing this year's car long ago and turn attentions to their 2024 challenger.

Meanwhile, old foes Mercedes, plus Ferrari, McLaren and Aston Martin behind, have continued on with their upgrade plans as they try to narrow the gap to the top.

The new floor Mercedes introduced last time out at the US Grand Prix looks to be a major step in the right direction and Lewis Hamilton in particular was buoyant about the update.

It showed in his performance, too, rolling back the years as he hunted down Verstappen, who admittedly was nursing a pesky brake problem, to clinch second place.

Yes, Hamilton was disqualified after the race when his car was found to have excessive plank wear, but that was no fault of his and a DSQ of that nature is incredibly rare.

Hamilton and Mercedes will be confident of at least posing a threat to mighty Max again this weekend.

 

 

Aston Martin double points finish

This season's early risers have slumped into a second-half slumber thanks to each passing upgrade.

Aston Martin have now fallen behind McLaren in the Constructors' Championship, but there were signs of life in Austin, Texas last week even if both drivers did start from the pit lane due to more set-up woes.

Under-pressure Lance Stroll delivered a fine performance to grab his first points since July and Fernando Alonso was also poised for a good haul before his car could take no more damage from the brutal COTA kerbs.

Many have given up hope on Aston Martin, but it's still just a little bit too early to do that.

Pierre Gasly points finish

Alpine have promised plenty in recent years but have failed to deliver again this season, progressing no further than a middle-of-the-road outfit.

They are stranded in sixth spot in the Constructors' Championship, yet Pierre Gasly is currently providing some rare moments of slight joy in the latter stages of the campaign.

He has recorded three points finishes in his last four races and the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is a track he enjoys, too, with four top 10 results in his last five appearances here.

Let's hope this consistent streak continues in Mexico City.

 

Predictions:

Lewis Hamilton to win Mexican GP

Gasly points finish

Aston Martin double points finish