F1 LIVE | What Verstappen needs to win the title, Hamilton benched in Mexico

A few weeks ago, the idea of Max Verstappen fighting for another world title felt far-fetched. But the landscape has shifted dramatically. After dominating in Austin — winning both the sprint and the Grand Prix — the Dutchman has reignited his campaign and reinserted himself firmly into the championship conversation.

Arriving in Texas, Verstappen trailed Oscar Piastri by 63 points, a margin that made any talk of a comeback sound optimistic at best. Yet the chaos of the weekend — with both McLarens crashing out of the sprint and Piastri managing only fifth in the race — has flipped the momentum.

Now, with five races and two sprints still to go, the path to a fifth world title looks far more attainable for Red Bull’s star — and far trickier for McLaren than it did just a week ago.

Ferrari will have Antonio Fuoco in the car for the opening practice session at the Mexican Grand Prix, with the Italian stepping in for Lewis Hamilton. Fuoco, a long-time member of the Ferrari Driver Academy and part of the team’s WEC programme, will gain valuable track time as part of the team’s rookie allocation for 2025.

Hamilton will return to action in FP2, as the Mexican weekend brings Formula 1 back to its standard format after the sprint round in Austin.

Charles Leclerc, meanwhile, will be on duty from the first session, aiming to build on the momentum of his sixth podium of the season scored in Austin.