Hamilton aims for aggressive Mexico GP start from 'best' grid spot

Lewis Hamilton is poised for an "aggressive" start from third on the grid at the Mexico City Grand Prix, believing his position on the cleaner side of the track offers a strategic advantage. After his best qualifying performance in a Ferrari, Hamilton aims for his first podium with the team, capitalizing on the long run to Turn 1 and potential slipstream opportunities.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's declaration of an aggressive approach signals his determination to finally secure a podium finish with Ferrari after a challenging first season. His strategic outlook on the grid position highlights the crucial role of the start in Mexico, where pole sitters have struggled to maintain the lead, potentially opening a window for Hamilton to make significant gains.

The Details:

• Qualifying Performance: Hamilton qualified third, his best grid spot since Singapore 2024, behind teammate Charles Leclerc (second) and polesitter Lando Norris. This marks his first top-three qualifying in 13 months, signaling genuine progress with the Ferrari car.
• Strategic Grid Position: Despite qualifying behind Leclerc, Hamilton views his third-place start on the grid's left-hand side as advantageous. This is traditionally the cleaner racing line, offering better grip.
• Long Run to Turn 1: The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez features one of the longest runs to the first corner (830m) on the F1 calendar. This distance creates significant slipstreaming opportunities for cars starting further back.
• Historical Precedent: The polesitter has not led the first lap in Mexico for the past two years. Notably, Max Verstappen famously jumped from third to first in 2021, ahead of Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, demonstrating the potential for gains from this grid slot.
• Hamilton's Intent: He stated, "I'll be quite aggressive, I want to move forwards somehow tomorrow." He also noted, "I don't have anything to lose, but he [Norris] does," indicating his willingness to take risks.
• Leclerc's Outlook: While aware of the 'dirty' side of the track for his second-place start, Leclerc also plans an aggressive start, anticipating strong race pace from Norris.

What's next:

The Mexico City Grand Prix's start will be critical, with Hamilton aiming to leverage his grid position for an early advantage. If his aggressive strategy pays off, it could mark a significant turning point in his season and provide Ferrari with a much-needed podium. The long run to Turn 1, combined with the 'dirty' side for pole, sets the stage for a potentially dramatic opening lap.