Mexico Grand Prix 2015: Max Verstappen surprises paddock by setting pace

Rosberg was only sixth, as Hamilton struggled down in 11th plac

Max Verstappen suffers a left-rear puncture (Getty Images)

Max Verstappen sprang a major surprise for Toro Rosso by setting the pace in the first practice session here in Mexico City yesterday.

As Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton struggled with brake issues on their Mercedes – the German returned to the pits with his rear brakes on fire at one stage – the Dutch rookie headed Red Bull stablemate Daniil Kvyat, the Ferraris of Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel and team-mate Daniel Ricciardo, in a session notable for the way in which lap times became faster as track conditions improved. The new surface at the remodelled circuit initially caused problems through a lack of grip.

Rosberg was only sixth, as Hamilton struggled down in 11th place, and the need to get to the bottom of their worries will doubtless take priority over the discussion that the German wants concerning Hamilton’s tactics at the first corner in Austin last weekend, which Rosberg described as “extremely aggressive”.

The bigger story in the paddock yesterday, however, was the sombre mood down at Manor Marussia after mounting speculation that the sporting director, Graeme Lowdon, and team principal, John Booth, had resigned.

Both Lowdon and Booth declined to comment when questioned about their futures, but are believed to have decided that they had no option but to resign following differences of opinion with Manor’s owner, Stephen Fitzpatrick, over the team’s future direction.

It is thought that other key staff members will also be leaving by the end of the season, but Fitzpatrick was not in Mexico for comment.