LIVE: 2025 F1 Mexican Grand Prix - Mexico City Free Practice 1

The 2025 F1 Mexican Grand Prix kicks off with Free Practice 1 (FP1) in Mexico City, a session that will offer crucial insights as the season nears its dramatic conclusion. With just five rounds remaining, the drivers' championship battle is intensely focused on McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, with Max Verstappen rapidly closing the gap.

Why it matters:

• The championship fight is heating up, with Verstappen now only 40 points behind leader Piastri. Norris is a close second, just 12 points adrift of his teammate.
• FP1 is a critical opportunity for teams to gather data on track conditions, tire performance, and car setup, especially with the unique challenges presented by Mexico City's high altitude.

The details:

• Driver Standings Impact: Piastri, who has recently shown a slight dip in form, needs a strong weekend to reassert his control over the championship. Norris is eager to capitalize and potentially overtake his teammate.
• Verstappen's Momentum: Max Verstappen has been on an upward trajectory, consistently applying pressure on the McLaren duo. His performance in the remaining races will be key to whether he can snatch the title.
• FP1 Lineup: This practice session will feature a significant number of young and reserve drivers, allowing them to gain valuable F1 experience. Notable front-runners like Verstappen, Norris, and Lewis Hamilton are slated to miss this session, giving others a chance to shine and providing varied feedback for their teams.
• Session Duration: Drivers will have 60 minutes of track time to get acquainted with the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit, which is known for its demanding layout and thin air affecting engine performance and aerodynamics.

What's next:

• Following FP1, teams will analyze the data collected to refine their strategies for the subsequent practice sessions and, crucially, for qualifying and the race itself.
• The performances of the young drivers in FP1 will be closely scrutinized, as strong showings could influence future team decisions and driver lineups.
• The true test of the championship contenders will come in the later sessions, where the main drivers will take to the track to push their cars to the limit.