But it didn’t keep him ahead of Verstappen, who stopped at the same time as Leclerc but emerged in the lead, a lead he would keep until the end.

Charles Leclerc (L) and Lewis Hamilton (R) both missed turn 4. Perhaps they shouldn’t have been racing each other so hard.

Credit: YURI CORTEZ / AFP

Charles Leclerc (L) and Lewis Hamilton (R) both missed turn 4. Perhaps they shouldn’t have been racing each other so hard.

Credit:

YURI CORTEZ / AFP

These cars sure break down a lot

It wasn’t an easy drive to the checkered flag, however. We’re accustomed to Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin breaking down on track and triggering a safety car or a virtual safety car, and this race was no exception. It happened early, on lap 7, while the other Aston Martin, driven by Fernando Alonso, retired to its garage.

Cadillac has also had plenty of reliability problems this year, usually with its front brakes overheating. It was even more serious in Mexico: On lap 44, Bottas’ front left suspension failed as he approached turn 1.…