Dutch Max Verstappen celebrated his dominant victory in the Mexico Grand Prix today by strengthening his lead of the Formula 1 World Championship by 19 points in front of his rival Louis Hamilton four rounds before the finish.

Seven - time British world champion Hamilton came in second place after he withstood the attack of Sergio Pérez, driver of Paul's response, who became the first Mexican to rise on his country's coronation podium in front of the crowded crowd of Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Paul's response reduced the difference to one point behind Mercedes in the Manufacturers' Championship.

The 24-year-old Verstappen said of the big move he made towards the championship title, "It's still a long way to go but things look good but they can turn fast."

Verstappen crossed the finish line by 16.555 seconds over Hamilton for his ninth victory of the season and his third in Mexico and 19th in his career.

Verstappen took the lead at the first turn after taking the third place, attacked the Mercedes duo and delayed the curvature just before the turn in a move that proved decisive in the outcome of the race.

Verstappen said, "I kept everything on the rink and I went from third to first, and that's what worked because I was focusing on myself and we had a very fast car."