Leclerc leads Norris in Mexico FP2; Hamilton stops with power unit issue

Charles Leclerc completed a Friday sweep at the Mexico City Grand Prix by leading FP2, his 1:17.827 putting Ferrari 0.103s clear of Lando Norris. George Russell was 0.003s further back, with Kimi Antonelli fourth and Max Verstappen fifth. Lewis Hamilton’s session ended early with a power unit problem, leaving Ferrari with pace but a reliability question.

Why it matters:

Ferrari’s one-lap speed is real, but the margin at the front is tiny. A tenth covers Leclerc, Norris and Russell, and Mercedes and McLaren both look capable of making qualifying a three-team fight.

The details:

• Leclerc backed up his FP1 pace on soft tyres despite a wide moment and a lock-up earlier in the session.
• Hamilton stopped between Turns 3 and 4 after reporting a loss of power, triggering a VSC; he was 11th on 13 laps.
• Verstappen reached fifth with a damaged bargeboard after contact with Liam Lawson. Both will see the stewards.
• Bearman had an engine change after a smoky FP1 end; Bortoleto missed much of FP2 while Audi repaired his car.
• Medium-tyre long runs looked encouraging, though grip remained low.

What's next:

Saturday will show whether Ferrari can turn Friday pace into pole and whether Hamilton’s power unit can be changed without a grid penalty. Red Bull also faces repair work and an uncertain stewards’ verdict.