Leclerc tops Mexico FP1 as Antonelli nears Mercedes title

Charles Leclerc gave Ferrari the early edge at the Mexico City Grand Prix, setting the fastest time in Friday’s opening practice. He finished 0.659 seconds clear of championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who can clinch the title for Mercedes this weekend. The session also put reserve drivers in the spotlight: Frederik Vesti replaced George Russell and took third, while Ayumu Iwasa stood in for Max Verstappen at Red Bull and completed the top five.

Why it matters:

Leclerc’s margin is an encouraging sign for Ferrari at a track where confidence and track position matter, but FP1 order can flatter. Mexico’s high altitude and low-grip surface often make the first session a test of who finds a clean rhythm early. For Antonelli, the priority is control, not a practice victory.

The details:

• Leclerc led for Ferrari, with Antonelli second in the Mercedes, 0.659s back.
• Vesti slotted into Russell’s car and finished third, around seven-tenths off the pace.
• Lewis Hamilton was fourth in the other Ferrari, with Iwasa fifth in Verstappen’s Red Bull.
• Antonelli arrives as the title leader and can wrap up the championship for Mercedes in Mexico.

What's next:

Ferrari will want to prove its single-lap speed carries into qualifying, while Mercedes can focus on race execution and title math. For Antonelli, a clean weekend is the priority. The title is within reach, and Mercedes will not want a bright Friday to turn into unnecessary Sunday pressure.