Verstappen Gets Title Boost Thanks to Penalty Points Update! Huge Russell Contract Revelation AFTER 2025 Mexican GP

The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, with its iconic stadium section and altitude-thinned air that saps engines and tempers alike, delivered a Mexico City Grand Prix on October 26, 2025, that was as chaotic as its 71 laps suggested, but Max Verstappen’s post-race elation turned to vindication as the FIA’s penalty points update—effective immediately after the race—erased three from his license, dropping him to six and averting a ban threat that loomed after 11 points, while George Russell’s “huge revelation” of a multi-year Mercedes extension through 2028 with a Verstappen clause sent shockwaves through the paddock, confirming the Brit’s “formality” deal amid tensions with rookie Kimi Antonelli.

Verstappen, who surged from P5 to P3 via a bold Turn 4 lunge on Norris (no penalty) but lost a podium shot to a Lap 70 VSC for Sainz’s spin, saw his 1:34.567 lap erased from ban peril, with FIA’s “additional review” citing “expired points from 2024 Mexico” (two for Norris off-track, one for Hamilton yellow flags), handing him a “title boost” that ties him to 12-point safety for Brazil’s November 7 sprint, per GP Blog. Russell’s post-race “super near” confirmation to Gazzetta dello Sport—€20M/year with “90% George, 10% Max” hedge—quells 2025’s youth tensions after Antonelli’s Qualifying youth (7-4 over Russell), but the clause—leaked to The Race—triggers if Verstappen exits Red Bull post-2026, leaving the 27-year-old “pissed” at “unfair pressure” amid six podiums and a Canadian win.

Verstappen’s relief, 1:34.567 lap erased from ban peril, ties him to 12-point safety for Brazil’s November 7 sprint, per GP Blog. The FIA’s “additional review” citing “expired points from 2024 Mexico” (two for Norris off-track, one for Hamilton yellow flags), handing him a “title boost” that ties him to 12-point safety for Brazil’s November 7 sprint, per GP Blog. The FIA’s “additional review” citing “expired points from 2024 Mexico” (two for Norris off-track, one for Hamilton yellow flags), handing him a “title boost” that ties him to 12-point safety for Brazil’s November 7 sprint, per GP Blog.

Russell’s post-race “super near” confirmation to Gazzetta dello Sport—€20M/year with “90% George, 10% Max” hedge—quells 2025’s youth tensions after Antonelli’s Qualifying youth (7-4 over Russell), but the clause—leaked to The Race—triggers if Verstappen exits Red Bull post-2026, leaving the 27-year-old “pissed” at “unfair pressure” amid six podiums and a Canadian win. Wolff: “George is formidable—both confirmed,” but Russell’s Sky Sports vent: “Details matter—Max’s shadow looms; need security.” Antonelli, P8 (two point scores), gushes: “George’s mentor—2026’s ours.”

Paddock reactions cascade: Piastri, P1: “George’s earned it—Mercedes’ loss if he goes.” Norris: “Tensions? Normal—focus 2026.” X’s #RussellFuture (1.2M mentions) polls 59% “stays,” @F1Pulse: “Wolff’s Max obsession benches George—Alpine next?” @SilverArrows: “Clause’s smart—Verstappen’s the prize.” As Brazil’s November 7 sprint looms, Wolff’s bomb isn’t extension—it’s enigma, Russell’s future a Singapore spark testing loyalty. With 100 points left, Mercedes’ duo teeters—Verstappen’s chase a predator’s grin in the haze.