Red Bull's Max Verstappen clinched a record 16th grand prix win in a single season at the F1 Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday.

The three-time world champion started third on the grid, and headed into a lead after surpassing both Ferraris and led after turn 1. Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton finished second, followed by Ferarri's Charles Leclerc.

The race was halted on lap 34 to repair damage to the barriers after Haas's Kevin Magnussen crashed heavily, but Verstappen dealt serenely with the pressure of a second standing start, pulling away from pole position to settle into a typically dominant lead he would keep to the chequered flag, leveling France's Alain Prost's haul of 51 career wins.

Verstappen's teammate, Sergio Perez, however, was disrupted in front of his home crowd when he had to retire after colliding at the first corner with Leclerc.

"We are experiencing an incredible season. Today, we had to start P3 but I think the pace of the car was very, very good," said Verstappen, who had already secured this season's title. 

With 14 wins from the last 15 races, Verstappen is narrowing his gap with the third most wins in the history of the sport, a total of 53 recorded by Sebastian Vettel, behind Hamilton with 103, and Michael Schumacher with 91. 

(With input from Xinhua)

(Cover: Red Bull's Max Verstappen (R) at the F1 Mexico City Grand Prix in Mexico City, Mexico, October 29, 2023. /CFP)