ROUND 14

Mexican Grand Prix

Mansell cruises to victory at high-speed Mexico City

Autodromo Hermanos Rodri­guez - Sun. Oct 18, 1987
Position Driver Car Time/Gap
1st Nigel Mansell Williams-Honda FW11B 01:26:24.207
2nd Nelson Piquet Williams-Honda FW11B
3rd Riccardo Patrese Brabham-BMW BT56

Fastest lap / Driver: 01:19.229 - Nigel Mansell

Average speed: 188.281 km/h - 116.994 mph

No. of laps / Distance: 63 laps - 305.032 k - 189.482 m

Battles for the Top

At Mexico City in 1987, Nigel Mansell delivered one of his most suspenseful and sensational victories, chasing down teammate Nelson Piquet in a tense Williams intra-team battle. Piquet led for most of the race, managing his pace and tires carefully. But Mansell, always the fighter, stayed close, waiting for his moment. That came with just two laps to go - and what followed was one of the boldest overtakes of the season.

With incredible commitment and nerves of steel, Mansell launched his move down the long main straight and swept past Piquet into the first corner, securing a dramatic lead just as it looked like second place was inevitable. It was a statement drive - brave, aggressive, and crucial in keeping his slim championship hopes alive.

Piquet, caught by surprise but showing sportsmanship, held on for second, collecting valuable points that inched him closer to the title. While the win slipped away, his calm, measured race still paid dividends in the bigger picture.

Riccardo Patrese gave Brabham a much-needed podium with a smooth and consistent drive. Staying out of trouble and managing his tires well, Patrese inherited third after others faltered and held off late pressure with poise.

The altitude, heat, and long straights made for a difficult race, and retirements included Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. But at the front, it was a thrilling, suspenseful duel between teammates - and Mansell came out on top.

Champagne Winners

Mansell soaked in the cheers, still breathless from his last-lap heroics. Piquet smiled faintly, the runner-up but still leading the war. Patrese grinned broadly on the podium’s return, proud of his steady hands. Champagne flew across the Mexico air - one brilliant pass, three very different celebrations.

Championship Standings

1st Nelson Piquet
69 pts
2nd Nigel Mansell
68 pts
3rd Alain Prost
41 pts

Continue the Story

You've read one race from the 1970s Formula 1 World Championship.

Continue through every Grand Prix, every podium battle and every championship story in the complete decade book.