Max Verstappen tops FP2 in Mexico City

Written by Jason Sharp, Edited by Meghana Sree

Second practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix saw driving duties returned to the usual lineup. Nine of the twenty drivers missed FP1 to make way for the rookies and were itching to acclimatise to the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

Max Verstappen tops the time sheet in FP2 | Credit: Formula One

The circuit conditions for FP2 are the most representative of that in qualifying, and it was Ferrari that were initially on the pace with FP1-topper Charles Leclerc setting a lap time of 1:18.353.

However, at the halfway point, the Monegasque driver was beaten to P1 by Max Verstappen, who posted a 1:17.392. The Dutchman stayed there until the end of the session, eventually edging out Leclerc by just 0.153 seconds.

In third place was Kimi Antonelli, despite reporting an issue straight out of the box. He returned to the pit lane but was back on track 20 minutes into the session with no further issues and building on his form from FP1.

Kimi Antonelli shows promising pace despite early issues | Credit: Formula One

Lando Norris was fourth, looking comfortable in his McLaren despite missing the first practice session and reporting engine misfiring on his first lap. Meanwhile, his teammate and championship leader Oscar Piastri could only manage P12.

Lewis Hamilton finished the session in P5 ahead of George Russell in P6, both the Britons briefly having off track moments at turn ten. Yuki Tsunoda had a promising session finishing seventh in the second Red Bull car.

Fernando Alonso was P8 ahead of his compatriot and last year’s pole-sitter Carlos Sainz, who will serve a five-place grid penalty for his contact with Antonelli in Austin. Sainz's teammate Alex Albon brushed the wall out of the final corner, avoiding damage but only managing P19.

The other Aston Martin of Lance Stroll rounded out the top ten, despite having a near miss with Pierre Gasly at turn one towards the end of the session.

Looking Ahead

The top four teams are all closely matched and will make for an interesting fight for pole position. Just as in Austin, Ferrari and Mercedes are showing strong pace and could split the McLarens from the on-form Verstappen. The four-time world champion is aiming to close the 40-point deficit to Piastri.

There have been 13 different pole sitters for as many of the last Grand Prix in Mexico City. Verstappen could end this streak by securing pole as he did in 2022, while both McLaren drivers will want to continue this streak for their best chances of maximum points.

All the teams will be fine tuning their setups for the final practice session before qualifying. The fight for pole is sure to be close and promises for an intense Grand Prix that is celebrating 10 years since its return to the Formula One calendar.