Max Verstappen has described how he was "made to sweat" by Lewis Hamilton during their fierce late chase for Mexico City Grand Prix victory.
Starting fifth after his one place grid penalty, Verstappen was up to second place on the opening lap after passing Lewis Hamilton following his Turn 4 incident with team-mate Charles Leclerc.
Verstappen then held station behind Leclerc until the pair pitted on the same lap, with Verstappen overtaking Leclerc as he served a five-second time penalty for the Hamilton incident.
Thereafter, Verstappen led after Hamilton had pitted, with the Red Bull holding P1 throughout the red flag for Valterri Bottas's crash.
Verstappen then held onto the lead through Turns 1/2/3 against Hamilton after the standing restart, and comfortably held the Ferrari at arm's length through a late safety car for Arvid Lindblad's crash with Oscar Piastri.
It was enough to give Verstappen his third win of the season, and 74th overall, and his sixth in Mexico after 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
"It was very hectic out there, but I think the first start made the race for me," said Verstappen.
"I had a very good first lap, and then we had a bit of a different strategy, but we hung in there and made the right calls at the right time.
"Of course, the penalty of Charles put us in the lead, and then you could see they were always staying with me, so it was tough.
"I was sweating at the end to try and keep Lewis behind.
"It's such a long run to Turn 1 and then to pick your breaking point there with a big bump in the middle of the track, I had to be quite careful - and then it is always a tradition in Turn 1 that two cars are fighting for the lead."
Turning to Kimi Antonelli's title glory with his third-place finish, Verstappen spoke of the 36thdriver to be champion.
"It is incredible. What a season he's had and to do that at such an age, I think, is really impressive.
"It's amazing to see the whole team celebrating with him, and his family is here as well, so I'm sure this is an emotional day, and I am very proud of him."
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