Leclerc Leads Ferrari 1-2 in Mexico FP2, Hamilton Hits PU Trouble

Charles Leclerc set the pace on Friday at the Mexico City Grand Prix, leading both practice sessions for Ferrari. However, teammate Lewis Hamilton suffered a power unit issue in FP2, limiting his running and raising reliability concerns. With Kimi Antonelli holding a significant chance of clinching the title on Sunday, the final practice session becomes crucial for the 20-year-old to fine-tune his setup and secure a strong qualifying position. McLaren and Red Bull remained close behind, setting the stage for a tightly contested weekend at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Why it matters:

The Mexico City Grand Prix could be a season-defining weekend. Antonelli's title bid adds immense pressure, while Ferrari's strong Friday pace suggests they might disrupt the frontrunners. Hamilton's PU problem is a stark reminder of the reliability challenges that can derail a championship charge.

The details:

• Leclerc led both FP1 and FP2, demonstrating Ferrari's impressive speed on the high-altitude circuit.
• Hamilton's power unit issue in FP2 curtailed his track time, leaving the team with work to do before qualifying.
• Antonelli, the Mercedes prodigy, is eyeing a potential title-clinching scenario on Sunday and needs a clean final practice.
• McLaren and Red Bull were not far off the pace, with both teams expected to challenge for pole position.

What's next:

FP3 will be the final opportunity for teams to refine their setups before qualifying. For Antonelli, a strong session will be key to building momentum for the title fight. Ferrari must also address Hamilton's PU issue to ensure both drivers can contend at the front. With the title on the line, every session counts.