"Things changed with a few decisions that were beyond my control," claims Hamilton

Despite a brilliant performance in qualifying and a great start at the Mexico City Grand Prix, Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton finished down in a disappointing eighth place at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Following a strong display in qualifying, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton made relatively good starts. However, the two drivers ran into Turn 1 four abreast with pole-sitter Lando Norris and Max Verstappen.

In an attempt to avoid a contact with Hamilton, Leclerc ran wide and had to cut across the grass which sent him into the lead momentarily, but he immediately gave up the position to Norris.

The Monegasque was unable to keep up with Norris, and gradually fell back from the McLaren driver as the race progressed. Leclerc was able to run in relatively clean air, looking after his tyres.

However, with Verstappen enjoying the benefit of the soft tyres in the second half of the race, Leclerc had to defend his position in the closing stages of the 71-lap encounter. In the end, with the help of the late virtual safety car interruption, the Monegasque managed to hold on to P2 to record his second consecutive podium finish.

Although Hamilton looked in contention for his first podium finish with Ferrari, he was squeezed onto the grass by Verstappen in the opening stages of the race.

The seven-time world champion ran across the grass battling Verstappen and picked up a penalty for gaining an advantage. He dropped down the order to P14 after his pit stop, but he fought his way up to eighth position.

"Today didn’t go the way I hoped. I had a strong start, but things changed with a few decisions that were beyond my control and it just wasn’t possible to recover the race after that.

Offering his thoughts on his race and the penalty, Hamilton said: “It was fun at the start and didn’t end up the way I had hoped, but it's motor racing.”

"The stint on the Medium tyre was challenging as it just didn’t suit the track today, and the final phase lacked the pace we needed. Overall though, the car has felt good all weekend and I’m grateful for the progress we’ve made as a team.

"I’m looking forward to Brazil - it’s one of my favourite places to race and I can’t wait to be there in red for the first time," concluded Hamilton.