F1 Mexican Grand Prix: Exciting Starting Grid Revealed

Lando Norris has clinched a sensational pole position for the Mexican Grand Prix, ahead of both Ferraris. While Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are poised to attack, Max Verstappen faced a challenging qualifying session. Here's a look at the grid.

Lando Norris dominated qualifying in Mexico City, securing pole in 1:15.586, a full two-tenths clear of Charles Leclerc. Lewis Hamilton in the second Ferrari follows closely, setting up a tantalizing race.

This means the two Maranello machines form a crucial buffer between Norris and his closest championship rival, Max Verstappen, who will start from fifth after a disappointing session.

Ferrari appears revitalized after weeks of inconsistent performance, with both drivers eyeing a podium finish. Hamilton, too, is in an aggressive mood, stating, "I have nothing to lose, Lando does."

Verstappen Struggles with Grip, Piastri Faces Challenges

For Max Verstappen, Saturday was a frustrating day. The Dutchman complained of "no grip, no traction, no confidence in the car." Red Bull looked unusually unstable on the dusty Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez asphalt. The world champion himself seemed to write off the race, saying, "I just have to make sure I get through it."

Oscar Piastri had an even tougher time. The championship leader struggled with his McLaren all weekend, only managing eighth in qualifying. Although he moves up to seventh due to Carlos Sainz's penalty, his championship lead is now under significant threat.

Mexican GP Starting Grid: Who Has the Best Position?

Pos Driver Team

1 Lando Norris McLaren 2 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 3 Lewis Hamilton Ferrari 4 George Russell Mercedes 5 Max Verstappen Red Bull 6 Kimi Antonelli Mercedes 7 Oscar Piastri McLaren 8 Isack Hadjar Racing Bulls 9 Oliver Bearman Haas 10 Yuki Tsunoda Red Bull 11 Esteban Ocon Haas 12 Carlos Sainz Williams 13 Nico Hülkenberg Sauber 14 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin 15 Liam Lawson Racing Bulls 16 Gabriel Bortoleto Sauber 17 Alexander Albon Williams 18 Pierre Gasly Alpine 19 Lance Stroll Aston Martin 20 Franco Colapinto Alpine

Norris Under Pressure, Ferrari Sees Victory Chance

The 800-meter start-finish straight in Mexico is notorious; from the start to the first corner, the slipstream can be decisive. Norris will have to work hard to keep Leclerc and Hamilton behind him.

The championship situation adds further tension: a victory could propel Norris to the top of the standings. Verstappen and Piastri must hope for errors from the Briton—or for chaos in Turn 1.