Leclerc tops both Mexico City practice sessions as Hamilton hits PU trouble

Charles Leclerc gave Ferrari the early edge in Mexico City, topping both FP1 and FP2. Lewis Hamilton showed strong pace in FP1 but stopped trackside in FP2 with a power unit issue, leaving Ferrari quick but reliability-conscious.

Why it matters:

With the field tightly packed and track conditions improving rapidly, Friday's running suggests Ferrari has a genuine shot at pole. But Hamilton's PU problem and the team's need to manage cooling at altitude could complicate the weekend.

The details:

• Leclerc led FP1 (1:18.128) and FP2 (1:17.827), despite a Turn 1 lock-up in the second session.
• Lando Norris was closest in FP2, just 0.103s adrift, while George Russell took P3 for Mercedes. Kimi Antonelli was P4.
• Max Verstappen ended FP2 fifth but carried floor damage after contact with Liam Lawson, limiting his downforce.
• Isack Hadjar was sixth, with Arvid Lindblad seventh for Racing Bulls. Pierre Gasly put Alpine eighth.
• Oliver Bearman lost his latest-spec engine after a FP1 PU failure; Haas changed the unit between sessions.

What's next:

Qualifying should be extremely tight, with Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes separated by tenths. Red Bull must repair Verstappen's car and find balance, while Hamilton's team works overnight to avoid another PU setback.