Hakkinen on Verstappen’s rival: 'Victory will come soon for him'

Max Verstappen has already won 15 victories this season, and has a chance to win number 16 this weekend. The Dutchman, who will walk around the track with bodyguards this weekend, was already fastest in the first two free practice sessions. Two-time F1 champion Mika Hakkinen makes his prediction for the Mexican Grand Prix.

"It would be fantastic to see Sergio Perez take a win in front of his amazing home fans but World Champion Max Verstappen is not going to gift it to his team mate," Hakkinen reveals in his preview at Unibet. "If Sergio can find the pace in qualifying, he will giving it everything to score his third win of the season."

Finally, there is an honourable mention for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. The start of the season was a bit off, but the Englishman from Stevenage, along with his W14, seems to have recovered. "Lewis was very strong in Austin last weekend, the win even looked possible, while Lando is just waiting for the opportunity. It will come soon," Hakkinen wrote.

In the battle for the second spot in the constructors' championship, Hamilton would obviously benefit from a possible 25-point win. Together with George Russell, he will take on Ferrari's Italian Scuderia with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc. The difference is currently 22 points in favour of Hamilton-Russell duo.