Turn one…
19:15: It’s CHAOS in the first few turns. What else did you expect?!
Lewis Hamilton is pushed onto the grass by Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen follows suit – they are fifth and eight respectively.
Charles Leclerc leads as the virtual safety car is out.
Formation lap undrerway
19:10: The start is imminent, folks. The formation lap is underway as the Sky Sports cameras pan to thousands of fans in the stands. Looks roasting out there – good luck with that.
There’s about 5000 permutations on how Lewis Hamilton can win the world championship today. I won’t delve into them now – I’ll let you know as and when during these 71 laps.
The top six are all on mediums.
Top six on the grid…
19:05: Less than five until we’re underway folks. A quick reminder of how the line up…
1. Leclerc, 2. Vettel, 3. Hamilton, 4. Verstappen, 5. Albon, 6. Bottas.
And if it wasn’t quite clear, Jenson Button thinks it will be a ‘really exciting’ Turn One today. Splendid.
I have no nerves…
18:55: Lewis Hamilton has has admitted that the chances of beating Valtteri Bottas by more than 14 points is unlikely.
He’s also revealed he’s got absolutely no nerves… which is a strange thing to hear.
“I just think about what I’ve got to do,” he said after qualifying. “I can’t control what happens with Valtteri. All I can do is try to control my future – how I progress through the race and do my due diligence.
“I’m just thinking of trying to be perfect and ultimately how I think is if I do my job right I should get to where I’m trying to go. And whether it’s this weekend or in the next four races, it doesn’t really matter as long as it gets done.
“I just don’t think about it. I’ve been racing a long time and you have to find a way to control your nerves and I have none.”
Twitter reaction
Josh: When it comes to F1 – I’m a Raikkonen, Leclerc and Norris fan, but today I am a British fan supporting a British driver at the absolute pinnacle of motorsport. Go get it, Lewis Hamilton!
Eric: Lewis Hamilton on the cusp of being SIX times world champion. Damn. Still doesn’t get the credit he deserves.
Lee: Lewis Hamilton should win the championship tonight in Mexico…but could he do in on an icy bmx track down the local park?
I suppose we’ll never know, Lee. But it’s an exceptional point you make…
The situation
18:35: Lewis Hamilton’s quest to secure a sixth world championship in Mexico received a controversial boost on Saturday night after Max Verstappen was stripped of pole position.
Verstappen was dealt a three-place grid penalty for failing to slow under yellow flags following Valtteri Bottas’ last-corner crash. The Dutchman’s punishment moves Hamilton up to third on the grid.
Hamilton must finish at least on the podium here on Sunday to stand any chance of taking the title. Charles Leclerc assumes pole with Sebastian Vettel forming an all-Ferrari front-row.
Hamilton will win the championship at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez if he outscores Mercedes team-mate Bottas by 14 points.
Bottas is expected to start from sixth despite sustaining extensive damage to his car.
Evening…
18:30: Oh, fancy seeing you here…
Are you here to see whether Lewis Hamilton can secure an incredible sixth World Championship – or perhaps my gentle banter?
Well luckily for you, I’ll throw in the attempted banter for free.
We’re up and running in Mexico with around 40 minutes until the race gets underway. Plenty of time for me to provide you with all the latest.
Standby for a wild ride.