Mercedes faced hard decision in Mexico: 'Understandable choice'

George Russell and Lewis Hamilton managed to qualify second and third respectively at the Mexican Grand Prix. In the race, Hamilton came closest to victory, but Max Verstappen was too fast for him. According to Jolyon Palmer, things could also have ended differently, he reveals in his analysis on Formula1.com.

"Given Ricciardo made effectively 20 seconds on Lando Norris – on the soft tyre versus the hard tyre in the second stint – it’s plausible that a similar choice for Mercedes could have given Hamilton a chance of fighting Verstappen," Palmer explained.

However, the German formation chose not to do so, leaving Hamilton unable to make things difficult for Verstappen. The seven-time world champion came in over 15 seconds later than his Red Bull Racing rival, while Sergio Perez was just under three seconds behind Hamilton.

Mercedes had difficult choice

While a different tyre strategy could have made the fight for victory more exciting, Palmer also points out the risks it could have entailed. Indeed, with Perez right behind Hamilton, the driver could also have lost a place.

"The decision for Hamilton was a tough call for Mercedes, who would have lost track position to Perez had they waited for the soft tyre, rather than boxing for hards earlier on. It was an understandable choice."