Charles Leclerc led a Ferrari 1-2 in Friday practice for the Mexico City Grand Prix, topping both sessions with a fastest lap of 1:17.827. Lando Norris and George Russell finished close behind, while a collision between Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson, plus a power issue that sidelined Lewis Hamilton, disrupted the session.

By the Numbers
  • Leclerc’s best lap: 1:17.827.
  • Norris finished 0.103 seconds back; Russell was 0.106 seconds back.
  • Hamilton completed 13 laps before stopping with a reported power problem.
  • Kimi Antonelli can clinch the championship with a top-nine finish Sunday, even if Russell wins.
Yes, But

Ferrari’s Friday pace supports expectations that its turbo package could suit Mexico City’s high altitude, but the advantage is far from settled. McLaren and Mercedes were within 0.106 seconds of Leclerc, and Ferrari’s Friday speed may not reflect its race-weekend form.

State of Play
  • Verstappen and Lawson made contact, scattering debris; both were summoned to the stewards.
  • Hamilton missed the session’s long-run work after his Ferrari stopped with a suspected power issue.
  • Antonelli was fourth, 0.217 seconds off the lead, with the title within reach.
What’s Next

Final practice is scheduled for Saturday at 1:30 p.m. ET, followed by qualifying at 5 p.m. ET. The stewards’ review of the Verstappen-Lawson collision and Hamilton’s car reliability are key developments to watch.

Bottom Line

Leclerc has set the early pace, but the gaps at the front are slim—and Friday’s results leave open whether Ferrari can turn a clean sweep into a qualifying or race advantage.