Leclerc Leads Friday Practice as Title Battle Intensifies

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc topped both Friday practice sessions at the Mexico City Grand Prix. He was 0.103 seconds quicker than McLaren's Lando Norris, while Mercedes' George Russell was just 0.003 seconds slower than Norris. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, who can clinch his first world title on Sunday, recorded the fourth‑fastest time, 0.217 seconds off Leclerc’s pace, ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar. Hamilton, who stopped on track with a technical problem, later completed his qualifying simulation runs on soft tyres and finished 11th overall.

Title Fight

Only a victory by Russell or Lewis Hamilton could deny Antonelli the championship, and even then Antonelli would need ninth place if Russell wins or tenth if Hamilton wins.

Rookie Incidents

A collision between Verstappen and Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson early in the session prompted a stewards review. Verstappen said the move was “not very sensible” and “not very smart behaviour.” Lawson is one of three drivers competing for two Racing Bulls seats next season, alongside teammate Arvid Lindblad and F2 prospect Nikola Tsolov. McLaren's Oscar Piastri completed the top ten. The session also saw ten of the eleven teams field rookie drivers.

Super Licence Issue

Cadillac’s Colton Herta, a nine‑time IndyCar race winner, is being considered for a race seat to replace Valtteri Bottas next season. Initial calculations suggested he had earned enough points for an FIA super licence, but the governing body found him one point short, requiring one more practice run before the season ends.

Context

The practice results keep the championship battle open and highlight the pressure on rookie drivers to meet licensing and seat‑allocation criteria.