The Mercedes driver has to out-score his team-mate Valtteri Bottas by 14 points to seal the title in Mexico City, which means he has to be on the podium at least and hope Bottas’ results go his way.
Before the penalty was confirmed, he said his original second place was the ideal start place for him, and he “hoped” to keep it, because he wanted to tow Verstappen on the long straight to the first right-left-right combination of corners and take the lead.

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