'Only one person within Red Bull deserves the seat next to Verstappen'

Who takes pole position in qualifying for the Mexican GP and why?

Matt Gretton: "I think Verstappen takes pole position for the Mexican Grand Prix. The Dutchman seemed to handle the RB20 much better in the United States. With a few days to go through the data from Austin, combined with three practice sessions (including a 30-minute bonus), I expect Verstappen and Red Bull to be able to fine-tune the car and get even stronger."

Cas van de Kleut: "I think Charles Leclerc will take pole position. Ferrari showed in Austin to be very strong out of the break and in slow corners, which Mexico has some of, the Scuderia is always strong as well."

Jeroen Immink: "Then I will still go for Lando Norris. Ferrari had a qualifying beast in 2023 which ate up tyres very quickly in the race. As a result, Leclerc grabbed pole here and there, but had to give way on Sunday. I think this year's Ferrari is the other way around, so slightly slower in quali compared to McLaren, but fast in the race. So then I say Norris takes pole."

Will Verstappen (like in Austin) finish ahead of Norris in the race?

Matt Gretton: "I think Verstappen will finish ahead of Lando Norris. I think the race in Mexico will be a step too far for the Brit. I think the result in Austin was a big blow for him. I expect Verstappen to win his 4th race in a row in Mexico."

Cas van de Kleut: "I think Norris will finish ahead of Verstappen this weekend. However, I do expect another nice fight between the two, just like in Austin."

Jeroen Immink: "Will be very close again just like in Austin. The pole-syndrome in Mexico will come in handy again this year because of that huge straight, so I expect Norris to be out of the lead after Turn 1. Nevertheless, I do think Norris will finish ahead of Verstappen, in second or third place."

How will Perez perform at his home race in Mexico?

Matt Gretton: "Perez was overcome with emotion in his home race last season. He made a silly mistake at the first corner because he saw an opportunity to take the lead. He forced it and paid the price for it. Perez will have to control those emotions to perform well and improve his pace dramatically in Austin."

Cas van de Kleut: "For Perez, this really is a 'do or die' weekend though. If he does not show he is fast in the Red Bull in his home race as well, I suspect it will be the end of the story. So I do expect him to finish in the top five this weekend, but whether it will be enough to save his career..."

Jeroen Immink: "Perez will be invisible. He can no longer keep up with Verstappen, Ferrari, McLaren and also Mercedes. But we all know what happened last year when Perez briefly wanted to be the hero at the start. Perez will drive to P9 or P8 without coming into view."

Is Lawson impressing again compared to Tsunoda?

Matt Gretton: "Lawson has a really good chance to impress again here. Daniel Ricciardo started on the second row last year. The VCARB is a much better car this season and Lawson has shown so far that he is a better driver than Ricciardo. I don't expect a start on the second row, but he can impress again this weekend in terms of results."

Cas van de Kleut: "After last weekend, it has become clear to me that there is only one person within the Red Bull family who deserves the seat next to Verstappen. That person is Liam Lawson. If, during your first race of the season and with a grid penalty, you can still beat Tsunoda, you have done a great job. I expect him to continue this line in Mexico."

Jeroen Immink: "Relative to Tsunoda, I don't know, because Tsunoda is also showing nice things this season. But Lawson is definitely going to have another good race I think. The best man is in a flow now, which I think he will stay in for the time being. Double points for VCARB in Mexico are achievable in my eyes.

This article was written in collaboration with Olly Darcy

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