Charles Leclerc gave Ferrari the strongest possible start to the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend by topping both Friday practice sessions. Lando Norris and George Russell finished within a tenth of the Ferrari in FP2, setting up a close fight ahead of Saturday qualifying.
Leclerc’s best time of 1:17.827 in FP2 followed his FP1 benchmark of 1:18.128. The result put Ferrari at the front of the opening day, but the margins behind were tiny: Norris was 0.103 seconds back and Russell just 0.106 seconds behind the leader. Lewis Hamilton’s second session ended early because of a power-unit problem.
Leclerc sets the pace in both sessions
Ferrari’s Leclerc was quickest in FP1 with a 1:18.128, 0.659 seconds ahead of Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli. Frederik Vesti, driving in place of George Russell for the rookie session, was third. Hamilton took fourth, while Red Bull junior Ayumu Iwasa completed the top five.
The order changed in FP2 as regular race drivers returned for a fuller programme. Leclerc went quicker with 1:17.827, but McLaren’s Norris and Mercedes’ Russell were close enough to keep the fight open. Antonelli took fourth and Max Verstappen fifth, 0.311 seconds off the top time.
| FP2 position | Driver | Team | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 1:17.827 |
| 2 | Lando Norris | McLaren | +0.103s |
| 3 | George Russell | Mercedes | +0.106s |
| 4 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | +0.217s |
| 5 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | +0.311s |
| 6 | Isack Hadjar | Red Bull | +0.410s |
Hamilton’s running cut short by power-unit problem
Hamilton ended FP2 early after a power-unit issue limited his running. The problem is a concern for Ferrari because the Mexico circuit’s altitude already places unusual demands on cooling and engine performance. The team will need to assess the data and confirm whether any component changes are required before qualifying.
Ferrari’s overall pace was encouraging, but the team cannot assume the two practice sessions guarantee a strong grid position. The long straight and slower stadium section make the setup compromise difficult, and rivals were close enough in FP2 to challenge for pole.
Rookie running shapes FP1 order
Several teams used young drivers during FP1 as part of the rookie running requirements. That meant a number of regular drivers missed the opening hour, while reserve and junior drivers gained experience at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Vesti’s third place was one of the notable results, while Iwasa also placed inside the top five.
The sessions offered different kinds of information: FP1 helped teams evaluate the car with less familiar drivers, while FP2 provided a more representative comparison of the full race line-up and longer-run pace.
Why Mexico remains a difficult setup challenge
The circuit sits at high altitude, where thinner air reduces aerodynamic downforce and makes cooling more difficult. Teams must find enough grip through the slower corners without sacrificing too much speed on the long main straight. Braking stability and tyre preparation are also important, particularly on a weekend where qualifying position can shape the race.
What to watch on Saturday
- Leclerc’s one-lap pace: Ferrari has the benchmark, but the margins to McLaren and Mercedes are small.
- Hamilton’s recovery: Ferrari’s second car needs clean running in FP3 after the power-unit issue.
- Verstappen’s response: Red Bull was fifth in FP2 and will look for more balance before qualifying.
- Tyre and cooling management: Teams must prepare for the 71-lap race in the thin air of Mexico City.
Sportimatic verdict
Leclerc and Ferrari have the early advantage, but the Friday order does not settle the weekend. Norris and Russell were close enough to challenge, while Verstappen remained within three tenths. Saturday’s final practice and qualifying should reveal whether Ferrari can convert its practice pace into a front-row start.
Sources and further reading
Practice results are from Friday, October 30, 2026. The Grand Prix is scheduled for Sunday, November 1.