Mexican Grand Prix 2019 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Lewis Hamilton secured his sixth Formula 1 World Championship with a fourth-place finish at the Mexican Grand Prix, joining the exclusive company of Michael Schumacher as only the second driver to win six or more titles. The British driver needed only to finish ahead of Valtteri Bottas to clinch the crown, and accomplished the feat despite a challenging afternoon at the high-altitude Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Hamilton's championship was sealed when Bottas could only manage third place, unable to extend the title fight any further despite his best efforts.

Mercedes had a difficult weekend, with both Silver Arrows drivers struggling with tire temperatures and performance in Mexico's thin air. Hamilton started fourth and finished in the same position, setting the fastest lap but unable to challenge the leaders. Sebastian Vettel claimed victory for Ferrari from pole position, controlling the race after fending off early pressure from Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen. Verstappen, starting from the front row at his favored circuit, could only manage sixth place after receiving a time penalty for unsafe pit release, though he would be promoted to fifth after penalties were applied.

The championship-clinching moment was understated compared to Hamilton's previous title triumphs, reflecting the lack of genuine competition throughout the 2019 season. Mercedes' dominance had been so complete that the title was effectively decided weeks earlier, with Hamilton's consistency and experience proving too much for teammate Bottas to overcome. At 34 years old, Hamilton joined Schumacher as the only drivers to win six championships, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest in Formula 1 history. The British driver's emotional radio message after crossing the line thanked his team for their support in achieving what many considered impossible just a decade earlier. Leclerc set the fastest lap for Ferrari but Verstappen's penalty meant Hamilton retained the point.