f1 qualifying

F1 Qualifying in Mexico: Norris Leads the Charge as Verstappen and Hamilton Battle for Pole

The roar of Formula 1 engines has returned to the high-altitude Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, and the Mexico City Grand Prix qualifying session has already delivered drama, surprises, and a clear message: the battle for pole position is fiercer than ever. With Lando Norris setting the pace for McLaren and Max Verstappen lurking just behind, the stage is set for a thrilling race weekend.

But what’s really happening behind the scenes? Why is this qualifying session so pivotal—and what does it mean for the drivers, teams, and fans Down Under? Let’s dive into the verified action, unpack the latest developments, and explore what’s at stake.

What Just Happened in Mexico F1 Qualifying? The Verified Story

According to ABC News Australia, Lando Norris delivered a stellar performance in qualifying, outpacing teammate Oscar Piastri to secure a front-row starting position for the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix. The report confirms that Norris set the benchmark early, showcasing McLaren’s improved pace on a track known for its thin air and long straights.

“Piastri with work to do as McLaren teammate Norris sets pace in Mexico,” ABC noted, highlighting the growing gap between the two young stars within the Woking team.

While Piastri struggled with car balance and tyre management during the session, Norris remained consistent—a sign that the team’s development focus is starting to pay dividends. This isn’t just about one lap; it’s about momentum in a tight constructors’ championship race.

Meanwhile, ESPN Australia reported that Max Verstappen dominated practice sessions, topping FP1 and FP2 with Red Bull’s signature low-drag setup perfectly suited to Mexico’s 2.2km main straight. The Dutchman, aiming for his fourth consecutive world title, appears to be regaining form after a challenging mid-season stretch.

Adding to the intrigue, Formula 1’s official website confirmed that Norris also led the final practice (FP3), finishing ahead of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. The Briton clocked a 1:15.327—fastest of the weekend at that point—proving that Mercedes, too, has made gains in straight-line speed and tyre warm-up.

“FP3: Norris leads Hamilton and Russell in final practice ahead of Mexico City GP,” F1.com declared, setting the tone for a tightly contested qualifying.

So what does this all mean?

In short: McLaren is fast, Red Bull is consistent, Mercedes is improving, and the championship implications are massive.

Recent Updates: What’s Been Happening on the Ground?

Let’s break down the key moments from the past 48 hours in chronological order, based on verified reports:

Friday, October 25 – Practice Sessions

• FP1 & FP2: Max Verstappen topped both sessions, clocking a 1:15.891 in FP2—nearly 0.4 seconds faster than Norris. Red Bull’s low-drag configuration excelled on the long back straight, where top speeds exceeded 360 km/h.
• Key Insight (ESPN): “Verstappen’s dominance in practice over McLarens suggests Red Bull has optimized their package for high-altitude conditions.”
• McLaren’s Response: Norris improved steadily, finishing P2 in FP2 with a 1:16.284, showing strong race-pace simulations.

Saturday, October 26 – Final Practice & Qualifying

• FP3 (Formula 1): Norris led with a 1:15.327, Hamilton second (+0.182), Russell third (+0.211). Piastri struggled, finishing P7.
• Qualifying Session (ABC News):
• Q1: All top teams advanced without incident. Piastri scraped through in P14, narrowly avoiding elimination.
• Q2: Norris topped the session with a 1:15.102. Verstappen second (+0.150). Piastri improved to P8.
• Q3: Norris set the fastest lap (1:14.893), but Verstappen responded with a 1:14.921. Hamilton secured P3, Russell P4. Piastri finished P6—his best qualifying result in Mexico.

“It wasn’t perfect,” Piastri admitted post-session, “but we found something in the final run. We’ll take P6 and build from there.”

Post-Qualifying Reactions

• Lando Norris (McLaren): “We’ve made big steps. This car is responding well. It’s a good sign for the race.”
• Max Verstappen (Red Bull): “We’re close. The long runs looked strong. Pole would’ve been nice, but P2 gives us options.”
• Oscar Piastri (McLaren): “I’m learning. The car felt better in Q3. We’ll see what we can do in the race.”

These updates confirm a three-way tussle between McLaren, Red Bull, and Mercedes—each with different strengths and strategies.

Why Mexico Matters: The Context You Need to Know

The Mexico City Grand Prix isn’t just another stop on the F1 calendar. It’s a unique challenge—and a strategic wildcard.

The High-Altitude Factor

At 2,285 meters above sea level, Mexico City is the highest circuit on the F1 calendar. This has major implications: - Thinner air = less downforce and cooling, forcing teams to run high-downforce setups despite the long straights. - Engines produce less power, making efficiency critical. - Tyre management becomes even more crucial, as degradation is higher due to reduced airflow cooling.

Red Bull has historically excelled here, with Verstappen winning in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2022. But McLaren’s resurgence in 2024–2025 has disrupted that trend.

McLaren’s Comeback

Once a mid-tier team, McLaren has transformed into a serious contender thanks to: - A major car redesign in 2024 - Strong investment in wind tunnel and CFD technology - The emergence of Norris and Piastri as a dynamic driver duo

Their performance in Mexico is a test of consistency—can they maintain pace over a full race distance, or will tyre wear and fuel consumption bite?

The Championship Implications

With only a handful of races left, every point matters: - Constructors’ Championship: McLaren trails Red Bull by just 47 points. A strong result here could shift momentum. - Drivers’ Title: While Verstappen remains the favourite, Norris is closing in. A win in Mexico would be a major psychological boost.

As F1.com noted: “The battle between Verstappen and Norris is becoming one of the most compelling rivalries in modern F1.”

Immediate Effects: Who Wins and Who Loses Right Now?

The qualifying results have real-world consequences—both on and off the track.

On-Track Impact

• Lando Norris (Pole): Gains a crucial advantage in race strategy. Starting from P1 means clean air, reduced risk of first-lap incidents, and better tyre preservation.
• Max Verstappen (P2): Still in a strong position. His car’s long-run pace in practice suggests he could challenge Norris early or during pit cycles.
• Oscar Piastri (P6): A solid recovery, but starting behind rivals like Leclerc and Alonso. He’ll need a strong start and smart strategy to move up.
• Lewis Hamilton (P3): Mercedes’ improved pace gives hope of a podium finish—possibly even a surprise win if tyres hold up.

Team Dynamics

• McLaren: Internal pressure is rising. Norris is now clearly the team leader in qualifying performance. Piastri will need to prove he can deliver under pressure.
• Red Bull: Despite Verst