The Mexico City Grand Prix was chaotic and frenzied, with just enough injustice to leave tempers simmering long after the chequered flag.
Cars frequently ran wide, dust hung in the thin air, and across 71 laps at altitude, strategies collapsed and luck twisted at will. A Virtual Safety Car arrived at the wrong time for some and the perfect time for others, sealing a race that reshaped the balance of an already volatile season.
In the end, it was Lando Norris who emerged as the new leader of the drivers' standings, his poise and control arriving at just the right time to ensure what will be a breathtaking finale to the season in Abu Dhabi in December. Behind him, rivals fought and collided and amid the cheers and boos, a rookie once more reminded us why we watch this sport in the first place.
Here are the biggest storylines from an unforgettable weekend in Mexico City.
Norris matures into mastery
If precision defines champions, Norris delivered a masterclass in control in Mexico City. From pole to flag he was untroubled, executing one of the most complete performances of his career to reclaim the lead in the drivers’ standings with four races to go. Only one point now separates the two McLarens.
Norris’ launch from the line was the measure of his composure. On a circuit where the 800-metre drag to the first corner can undo even the calmest of drivers, he judged it perfectly. What followed was a display of faultless pace and management, the Briton finishing more than 30 seconds ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc – the largest winning margin in F1 in over a year.
Not everyone was pleased with his win. Norris was greeted by boos, the fallout of McLaren’s much-debated Papaya rules still colouring public perception. Many in Mexico saw the internal team orders at Monza as evidence that the balance of favour within McLaren had tilted towards Norris. The man himself refused to be drawn. “People can do what they want,” he said, smiling. “It makes it more entertaining for me.”
It has been a long season of recalibration. Oscar Piastri began the year steadier, but since mid-summer, the momentum has shifted. Norris has now scored points in 10 consecutive races, claiming four victories and five podiums in the last seven races. The mistakes of inexperience have given way to a driver in full command of his race, and his evolution has been noted.
For Piastri, the picture was more nuanced. The Australian qualified seventh and finished fifth, candid afterwards about a car that demanded a “very different way of driving".
Verstappen stays in the hunt
Max Verstappen left Mexico more relieved than triumphant. Third place felt like the limit of what Red Bull could achieve on a weekend that exposed the car’s fragility as much as the driver’s resilience. The Dutchman, starting fifth, admitted afterwards that he “didn’t expect to be on the podium,” yet his race management and late-race pace kept him within striking distance of Leclerc.
His start was typically assertive, threading between the Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton's Ferraris into Turn 1 before taking to the grass to avoid contact. From there, it became a matter of managing limitations. Starting on the medium tyre while the leaders ran softs, he lacked grip in the early laps and fell back to eighth after his first stop. The switch to the soft compound improved balance and traction, allowing him to work steadily back through the field as others pitted again.
Red Bull’s difficulties were clear. Earlier in the weekend, Verstappen described the car as “not working,” attributing the struggle to tyre overheating – a problem he said had plagued them all season. “At altitude, you start sliding and the tyres heat up immediately,” he explained. “It doesn’t suit us, that’s very clear.”
By the closing laps, Verstappen had cut a 12-second deficit to Leclerc to within DRS range, only for the late-race Virtual Safety Car to neutralise the final chase
.
Ferrari recapture second in standings
Ferrari left Mexico with mixed emotions. Leclerc claimed a second consecutive podium, finishing runner-up to Norris after resisting Verstappen’s late advance. Starting alongside the McLaren on the front row, Leclerc was part of a chaotic four-way dash into Turn 1, narrowly avoiding contact and settling into second place. From there, he managed the pace and the tyres to the end, later admitting relief when the Virtual Safety Car froze Verstappen’s charge.
“Very happy with this weekend,” Leclerc said. “We didn’t know what to expect, and to end up again on the podium is a great surprise. I was quite happy about the Safety Car at the end. My tyres were completely gone, and Max was coming back on the softer tyre. The Safety Car saved me.” His podium also lifted Ferrari above Mercedes to second in the constructors’ standings.
For Hamilton, the weekend told a different story. After securing his best qualifying result since joining Ferrari – third on the grid and finally within reach of a podium in red – optimism was high. But his race unravelled after an early battle with Verstappen. The pair banged wheels into Turn 1 before Verstappen briefly cut the track, rejoining ahead. The stewards reviewed the clash but deemed it a racing incident, noting that Verstappen’s front axle was ahead at the apex and therefore entitled to the line.
Moments later, Hamilton ran wide in his counter-attack and cut across the grass at Turn 4, rejoining in front. This time, the stewards ruled he had gained a lasting advantage, imposing a 10-second penalty that dropped him into traffic. “It felt like racing, I was fine there, it was just the cutting, and I’m the only one to get a 10-second penalty, it’s kind of nuts,” Hamilton said afterwards.
Bearman captures P4
Ollie Bearman left Mexico with a result that felt as improbable as it was deserved. The 20-year-old Haas rookie produced the finest drive of his young career, finishing fourth. Starting ninth, he stayed clear of the early chaos and made his defining move on Lap 6, when Hamilton and Verstappen clashed in their battle for third. As the pair ran off the track and rejoined, their fight unsettled George Russell just ahead. Bearman read the moment perfectly, maintaining his calm and capitalised as he swept past all three in one brilliant move.
For Haas, it equalled the team’s best finish, matching Romain Grosjean’s result in Austria in 2018, and earned Bearman Driver of the Day. “It was crazy,” he said afterwards. “I’m so happy to take so many good points for the team. It’s a feel-good moment.”
When Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi
Known as The Lady of Arabic Song, Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi on November 28, 1971, as part of celebrations for the fifth anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. A concert hall was constructed for the event on land that is now Al Nahyan Stadium, behind Al Wahda Mall. The audience were treated to many of Kulthum's most well-known songs as part of the sold-out show, including Aghadan Alqak and Enta Omri.
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Day 2, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Dinesh Chandimal has inherited a challenging job, after being made Sri Lanka’s Test captain. He responded in perfect fashion, with an easy-natured century against Pakistan. He brought up three figures with a majestic cover drive, which he just stood and admired.
Stat of the day – 33 It took 33 balls for Dilruwan Perera to get off the mark. His time on zero was eventful enough. The Sri Lankan No 7 was given out LBW twice, but managed to have both decisions overturned on review. The TV replays showed both times that he had inside edged the ball onto his pad.
The verdict In the two previous times these two sides have met in Abu Dhabi, the Tests have been drawn. The docile nature of proceedings so far makes that the likely outcome again this time, but both sides will be harbouring thoughts that they can force their way into a winning position.
Four reasons global stock markets are falling right now
There are many factors worrying investors right now and triggering a rush out of stock markets. Here are four of the biggest:
1. Rising US interest rates
The US Federal Reserve has increased interest rates three times this year in a bid to prevent its buoyant economy from overheating. They now stand at between 2 and 2.25 per cent and markets are pencilling in three more rises next year.
Kim Catechis, manager of the Legg Mason Martin Currie Global Emerging Markets Fund, says US inflation is rising and the Fed will continue to raise rates in 2019. “With inflationary pressures growing, an increasing number of corporates are guiding profitability expectations downwards for 2018 and 2019, citing the negative impact of rising costs.”
At the same time as rates are rising, central bankers in the US and Europe have been ending quantitative easing, bringing the era of cheap money to an end.
2. Stronger dollar
High US rates have driven up the value of the dollar and bond yields, and this is putting pressure on emerging market countries that took advantage of low interest rates to run up trillions in dollar-denominated debt. They have also suffered capital outflows as international investors have switched to the US, driving markets lower. Omar Negyal, portfolio manager of the JP Morgan Global Emerging Markets Income Trust, says this looks like a buying opportunity. “Despite short-term volatility we remain positive about long-term prospects and profitability for emerging markets.”
3. Global trade war
Ritu Vohora, investment director at fund manager M&G, says markets fear that US President Donald Trump’s spat with China will escalate into a full-blown global trade war, with both sides suffering. “The US economy is robust enough to absorb higher input costs now, but this may not be the case as tariffs escalate. However, with a host of factors hitting investor sentiment, this is becoming a stock picker’s market.”
4. Eurozone uncertainty
Europe faces two challenges right now in the shape of Brexit and the new populist government in eurozone member Italy.
Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, which has offices in Dubai, says the stand-off between between Rome and Brussels threatens to become much more serious. "As with Brexit, neither side appears willing to step back from the edge, threatening more trouble down the line.”
The European economy may also be slowing, Mr Beauchamp warns. “A four-year low in eurozone manufacturing confidence highlights the fact that producers see a bumpy road ahead, with US-EU trade talks remaining a major question-mark for exporters.”
SPECS
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RACE CARD AND SELECTIONS
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,200m
5,30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,200m
6pm: The President’s Cup Listed (TB) Dh380,000 1,400m
6.30pm: The President’s Cup Group One (PA) Dh2,500,000 2,200m
7pm: Arabian Triple Crown Listed (PA) Dh230,000 1,600m
7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m
The National selections
5pm: RB Hot Spot
5.30pm: Dahess D’Arabie
6pm: Taamol
6.30pm: Rmmas
7pm: RB Seqondtonone
7.30pm: AF Mouthirah
Various Artists
Habibi Funk: An Eclectic Selection Of Music From The Arab World (Habibi Funk)
Yuki Means Happiness
Alison Jean Lester
John Murray
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
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Top Hundred overseas picks
London Spirit: Kieron Pollard, Riley Meredith
Welsh Fire: Adam Zampa, David Miller, Naseem Shah
Manchester Originals: Andre Russell, Wanindu Hasaranga, Sean Abbott
Northern Superchargers: Dwayne Bravo, Wahab Riaz
Oval Invincibles: Sunil Narine, Rilee Rossouw
Trent Rockets: Colin Munro
Birmingham Phoenix: Matthew Wade, Kane Richardson
Southern Brave: Quinton de Kock
UAE players with central contracts
Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Chirag Suri, Rameez Shahzad, Shaiman Anwar, Adnan Mufti, Mohammed Usman, Ghulam Shabbir, Ahmed Raza, Qadeer Ahmed, Amir Hayat, Mohammed Naveed and Imran Haider.
57%20Seconds
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The specs: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ
Price, base: Dh1,731,672
Engine: 6.5-litre V12
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 770hp @ 8,500rpm
Torque: 720Nm @ 6,750rpm
Fuel economy: 19.6L / 100km
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
TV: World Cup Qualifier 2018 matches will be aired on on OSN Sports HD Cricket channel
The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
The biog
Prefers vegetables and fish to meat and would choose salad over pizza
Walks daily as part of regular exercise routine
France is her favourite country to visit
Has written books and manuals on women’s education, first aid and health for the family
Family: Husband, three sons and a daughter
Fathiya Nadhari's instructions to her children was to give back to the country
The children worked as young volunteers in social, education and health campaigns
Her motto is to never stop working for the country
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20IPAD%20PRO%20(12.9%22%2C%202022)
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Indoor Cricket World Cup Dubai 2017
Venue Insportz, Dubai; Admission Free
Day 1 fixtures (Saturday)
Men 1.45pm, Malaysia v Australia (Court 1); Singapore v India (Court 2); UAE v New Zealand (Court 3); South Africa v Sri Lanka (Court 4)
Women Noon, New Zealand v South Africa (Court 3); England v UAE (Court 4); 5.15pm, Australia v UAE (Court 3); England v New Zealand (Court 4)
