Norris leads top ten as drivers face early exits and track drama

UPDATE - follow-up to Mexican Grand Prix qualifying: Formula One 2026 – live: Norris went fastest in the latest update, leading a top ten that includes Verstappen, Leclerc, Hamilton, Russell, Hadjar, Antonelli, Lindblad, Lawson, and Gasly. Drivers forced out include Hulkenberg, Colapinto, Piastri, Bortoleto, Bearman, and Sainz, with Piastri hurt by an aborted fast lap.

Session Incidents

Leclerc clocked a provisional pole time of 1:16.647 before suffering a power surge, while Hamilton went off the track at turn 13 and struggled with a middle sector mistake. Verstappen also went fastest with a 1:16.876 time. Meanwhile, Alonso was told to stop his car on the track, causing a red flag session stop after he was noted for general safety and reportedly did not put his steering wheel back in.

Context

Qualifying sessions in motor racing determine the starting grid order for the main race through timed laps. Drivers must navigate technical track challenges and avoid traffic or errors to secure the fastest possible lap times.