Charles Leclerc has set the tone for the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend, topping the timing sheets in the opening practice session with a decisive performance that underscored Ferrari’s early competitiveness at the high-altitude circuit.
Leclerc’s fastest lap proved 0.659 seconds quicker than the field, with Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli securing second place in the session. The commanding margin suggests the Scuderia has found a strong setup baseline for the demanding Mexican venue.
Rookie Runs Continue
The first practice session featured an interesting mix of regular grid participants and rookie drivers, as several teams utilized the Mexico City track to complete mandatory rookie runs ahead of Sunday’s race. This blend of experience levels meant the timing sheets reflected not just qualifying-pace performance but also the progression of drivers gaining familiarity with the circuit’s unique characteristics at 2,250 meters above sea level.
Among the notable participants was Ayumu Iwasa, who substituted for Max Verstappen as Red Bull continued its driver rotation strategy. The session also saw representation from multiple teams running either their regular drivers or reserve and developmental talent, including Frederik Vesti for Mercedes, Oliver Bearman for Haas, and Arvid Lindblad for Racing Bulls.
Field Takes Shape
The competitive order revealed contributions from several high-profile drivers across the grid. George Russell and Lewis Hamilton represented their respective teams—Russell continuing his Mercedes campaign while Hamilton performed for Ferrari. Oscar Piastri brought McLaren’s machinery into contention, while Fernando Alonso represented Aston Martin’s efforts through the session.
Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, Williams’ Luke Browning, Cadillac’s Colton Herta, and Audi’s Freddie Slater rounded out the running order, each gathering crucial data on their cars’ performance in the thin air and variable conditions that characterize the Mexico City circuit.
With Leclerc’s early advantage established and multiple teams cycling through their rosters during these practice runs, the weekend continues to develop with the second practice session ahead before qualifying determines the Sunday grid.