The recent Mexico City Grand Prix saw the points difference between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris narrow to 47, with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz emerging victorious. Despite receiving two 10-second penalties for incidents involving Norris, Verstappen managed to secure a sixth-place finish. Norris spent most of the race in third but ultimately passed Charles Leclerc to claim second.

Questions arose about the lengthy process of updating driver guidelines, especially considering Verstappen’s actions during the 2021 season. The existing guidelines stemmed from a request by drivers to enhance how racing incidents are managed, aiming for more consistent enforcement rather than targeting any specific driver. Changes must undergo a thorough approval process within the FIA, which means newly proposed drafts may not be available until the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix.

Currently, the guidelines have not been officially ratified by drivers, who expressed a preference to focus on enforcement rather than wording. Previously, they believed the rules were reasonable but inconsistently applied. The recent review highlights ongoing concerns about both the guidelines and their enforcement, particularly after Verstappen’s defensive tactics against Norris in Austin prompted discussions for amendments.

When asked about driving standards in Formula 1, many believe they are at an all-time high, with numerous exceptional drivers competing fairly within regulatory limits. However, some drivers consistently push boundaries—much like past legends Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher did. The incident in Austin involving Verstappen has prompted calls for an update to existing guidelines as drivers seek clarity moving forward.

Mercedes faces challenges due to crashes and potential instability from their latest upgrades. George Russell’s recent incidents have raised concerns that these might be linked to car handling issues. The team is now operating close to its cost-cap limit, complicating repairs and replacements after crashes.

In Mexico City, pole position is located on the left side of the track due to its status as the racing line, which typically offers better grip despite leading into a right-hand turn. This strategic choice harks back to historical races where pole positions have often favored the outside line for optimal starts.

Franco Colapinto has garnered attention following his promotion at Williams; however, his performance in Mexico fell short compared to teammate Alex Albon. With limited seats available for next season across teams like Sauber and Red Bull, Colapinto’s future remains uncertain as he competes with other candidates.

Ferrari’s strong performance in recent races has sparked speculation about their potential for next season. While they have shown significant improvement and moved ahead of Red Bull in the constructors' championship, past seasons remind fans that strong finishes do not guarantee future success as teams evolve their designs based on this year’s results.