Kada Sárközi joined GPblog as an editor ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 season. He graduated with a BA in Sports Journalism in the UK and has covered Grands Prix and other F1 events live.
“It is time for the biggest spectacle of the weekend at the Mexico City Grand Prix. Follow the latest updates from Sunday's Formula 1 race with GPblog's liveblog below!
Lewis Hamilton claimed pole position for the upcoming Mexico City Grand Prix. This was the Briton's first Grand Prix pole with the Scuderia. The seven-time world champion finished marginally ahead of his former teammate, George Russell. Charles Leclerc completed the top three.
Kimi Antonelli is set to start from fourth place at what could be a milestone weekend for the Italian. He originally qualified in P5 but gained a position because Max Verstappen has a one-place grid penalty following his FP2 incident with Racing Bulls' Liam Lawson.
In terms of the battle for the 2026 world title, Antonelli could be crowned world champion in Mexico City today. The young Mercedes driver needs just two points to secure his first ever F1 title and become the youngest champion in the competition ever. He could also be crowned champion without scoring any points if neither Russell nor Hamilton wins the race and claims all 25 points.
Moreover, Mercedes could also secure the constructors' title at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. The German outfit needs to outscore Ferrari by at least 39 points.
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Hamilton reveals Mexico breakthrough with weakness he has battled for years
Hamilton was very satisfied after claiming pole position. After the session, he said: "I think the key is getting the tyres working and, you know, you see us all go out and it looks like we’re doing okay, but the tyres operate in a very small window where they’re good and then they overheat.
"And I’m really perfecting that. That’s been something I’ve really struggled with, I would say, over probably the last few years, particularly as we went to the 18-inch tyre, and so just learning to drive differently. And it’s a bit of a different skill set, or just a different way you have to drive and approach these corners. And it requires a different type of balance usage."
The Ferrari driver added: "I think I was able to utilise a couple more tools that I’ve not used for like 13 years.“And then I think just there, as I said, just got the tyres in the perfect window on that out lap. And once I was through Turn 1, 2 and 3, it was kind of smooth from there."
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