The Formula 1 circus heads south of the border as we enter the second leg of our North American doubleheader. After an eventful weekend at the Circuit of the Americas, the attention now shifts to the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, where the stakes couldn’t be much higher.
The Mexico City Grand Prix has always been one of the most electrifying stops on the calendar. From the roaring crowds inside the Foro Sol stadium section to the challenges of racing at over 2,200 meters above sea level, Mexico offers a spectacle unlike any other.
But this weekend, there’s an even bigger storyline.
Kimi Antonelli is on the doorstep of becoming a Formula 1 World Champion.
The Mercedes sensation arrives in Mexico needing only a ninth-place finish or better to secure his maiden World Drivers’ Championship. For most drivers, that would be an invitation to play it safe, bring the car home, and collect the trophy.
We don’t believe Antonelli has any intention of doing that.
With a championship potentially being decided, Max Verstappen riding an impressive podium streak, and Lando Norris looking to recover from a frustrating outing in Austin, there’s plenty to look forward to.
Here are our three podium predictions for the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix.
P1 — Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes
The Italian could practically sleepwalk his way to the World Championship this weekend. A ninth-place finish would be enough to get the job done. He doesn’t need to take unnecessary risks, chase the fastest lap, or fight tooth and nail for the victory.
But that’s simply not who Kimi Antonelli is.
Antonelli is a special breed of competitor, possessing a rare combination of blistering speed, natural talent, and a killer instinct that separates good drivers from truly exceptional ones. His competitive nature is precisely why we believe he won’t be satisfied with merely crossing the finish line and becoming champion.
He’ll want to make a statement.
Imagine the scenes in Mexico City if Antonelli crosses the line first, celebrates another Grand Prix victory, and simultaneously secures his maiden World Championship. That’s the kind of moment that defines a career.
We’ve watched Antonelli establish himself as one of Formula 1’s brightest talents, and we believe this weekend marks the beginning of something much bigger.
Our prediction: Kimi Antonelli wins the Mexico City Grand Prix and secures the first of what we believe will be many World Championships — in style.
P2 — Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing
Six consecutive races. Six podium finishes.
That’s the level of consistency Max Verstappen has been delivering, and we’re not expecting it to stop in Mexico City.
Regardless of how competitive Red Bull has been on any given weekend, Verstappen continues to extract everything possible from his machinery. His ability to manage races, capitalize on opportunities, and remain a factor at the front is what makes him one of the most formidable competitors in Formula 1.
Mexico City is also a circuit where Verstappen has enjoyed tremendous success throughout his career. His aggressive yet calculated driving style has frequently paid dividends here, and we expect him to be firmly in the fight once again.
Could he spoil Antonelli’s championship celebration by taking the victory himself? Absolutely. You can never count Max Verstappen out.
However, we’re giving Antonelli the slight edge this weekend.
Our prediction: Verstappen extends his podium streak to seven consecutive races with a second-place finish.
P3 — Lando Norris | McLaren
Austin was a frustrating weekend for Lando Norris.
The McLaren driver struggled to produce the result he would have wanted at the Circuit of the Americas, and there’s little doubt he’ll arrive in Mexico City eager to put that disappointment behind him.
But one difficult weekend doesn’t suddenly make Norris any less dangerous.
When he’s comfortable with the car and finds his rhythm, Norris possesses the pace to challenge virtually anyone on the grid. The question this weekend is whether McLaren can provide him with the platform to get back into contention.
We’re expecting a response.
Norris has too much talent to remain on the back foot for long, and Mexico City presents an excellent opportunity to rebuild momentum as the season continues.
While we’re not quite backing him to challenge Antonelli or Verstappen for the top two positions, we believe he’ll have enough to return to the podium.
Our prediction: Norris bounces back from a disappointing Austin weekend to finish third in Mexico City.
EST’s Mexico City Grand Prix Podium Predictions
- P1 — Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes
- P2 — Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing
- P3 — Lando Norris | McLaren
Final Thoughts
Championship-deciding weekends don’t come around often, and when they do, they deserve something special.
Kimi Antonelli has the luxury of knowing that he doesn’t need to win this race to become World Champion. Ninth place will do just fine. But we believe the same competitive fire that has carried him to the brink of the title will push him to chase one more victory.
Meanwhile, Max Verstappen will be determined to continue his remarkable run of podium finishes, while Lando Norris has an opportunity to remind everyone of his capabilities following a difficult weekend in Texas.
Three drivers. Three different motivations. One podium.
And potentially, one brand-new Formula 1 World Champion.
We’re backing Kimi Antonelli to leave Mexico City with both the race trophy and the World Drivers’ Championship. What better way to begin a championship-winning legacy?
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