Lando Norris went quickest in the final free practice session. The reigning world champion survived a couple of lockups in the second session to set a time of 1m17.600 in FP3. An encouraging display for both team and driver, but with the top 10 covered by just half a second, Norris will have to be at his best as qualifying draws near.
Behind him, Kimi Antonelli drew ever nearer to his first world title. The 20-year-old comes to Mexico with one hand on the trophy. A ninth-place finish is all he needs to become the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history.
Charles Leclerc took top honours in FP1 and FP2, despite a few wayward moments at turns 10, 11 and 12. The Ferrari driver had to settle for third in FP3 but looks like a major contender for pole, a result he will sorely need given the nine points separating him from second place in the drivers’ standings.
Oscar Piastri ended the session fourth ahead of Max Verstappen, who reported significant issues with his Red Bull’s brakes. Lewis Hamilton took sixth ahead of George Russell, Isack Hadjar, Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad.
It was rookies galore in FP1 as ten of the 11 teams fielded reserve drivers during the session.
Former Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli took the reins at McLaren; Frederik Vesti took over Russell’s Mercedes; Ayumu Iwasa took Verstappen’s car at Red Bull; Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov was given a run in the Racing Bulls; Colton Herta made his second consecutive appearance for Cadillac; Audi brought out Formula 3 driver Freddie Slater; Gabriele Mini made an appearance for Alpine; Aston Martin called on the services of Jak Crawford; Williams commandeered Luke Browning; while two-time World Endurance Champion Ryo Hirakawa took to the track for Haas.
Haas made a shock announcement, confirming that Esteban Ocon would not contest the rest of the weekend. An exact reason is yet to be given; however, Ocon did have a tense exchange with his team over tyre choices in FP2. Hirakawa will take over Ocon’s seat in Mexico.
Nico Hulkenberg ended FP3 11th ahead of Franco Colapinto, Pierre Gasly, Fernando Alonso, Ollie Bearman and Carlos Sainz. Alex Albon took 17th ahead of Lance Stroll. Hirakawa had little time to get up to speed and set the 19th fastest time, half a second adrift of his teammate. Gabriel Bortoleto split the Cadillacs in 21st.
It's been an encouraging start for Ferrari and Norris. But with the top four teams all setting competitive times and driver skill paramount at this low-grip venue, pole position could be anyone's.
