Was Verstappen's Mexican Grand Prix start the best of his F1 career?

The start of the 2021 Mexican Grand Prix was won by Max Verstappen, who moved ahead of not one but two Mercedes on the first turn. The Dutchman started in third behind Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton, but he caught Bottas' slipstream and used that, plus some late braking, to overtake the Finn and the Englishman.

Given the situation and the pressure, Verstappen deserves a lot of praise for his start. It might even be the very best start of his Formula 1 career.

Mercedes would have expected to get Hamilton off to a good first lap of this Mexican Grand Prix, but it did not go according to plan at all for the reigning constructors champions.

Bottas' start was particularly bad since he was clipped by Daniel Ricciardo and ended up at the very back. Hamilton was able to stay behind Verstappen and at least maintain second place.

A busy Mexican Grand Prix lap one

It was a very eventful first lap, as Yuki Tsunoda and Mick Schumacher ended up out of the race, provoking a safety car.

For Antonio Giovinazzi, he had a great and sprung up to sixth. But, no start was as good, or as valuable in the championship, as Verstappen's.

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