Lando Norris Tops Final Free Practice Session for the Mexican Grand Prix

In an intense final practice session ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix, Lando Norris showcased impressive speed, clocking in a time of 1:16.633. This performance secured him the top position, putting him ahead of notable competitors Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. Following closely behind were Charles Leclerc in fourth and the championship leader Oscar Piastri in fifth. Max Verstappen, the reigning champion, finished the session in sixth place, expressing concerns about his Red Bull’s grip on the track. Meanwhile, Gabriel Bortoleto managed to elevate Sauber to a respectable tenth position, outpacing Nico Hülkenberg.

Free Practice Session Overview

The final practice session saw a highly competitive atmosphere, characterized by frequent changes in the leaderboard. Various drivers took turns at the top, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of the sport. Ultimately, it was Norris who clinched the fastest lap just before the qualifying session, which was scheduled to begin later in the day.

Detailed Results of the Free Practice

1. Lando Norris (McLaren/Mercedes) – 1:16.633, completed 22 laps
2. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 1:16.978, +0.345 seconds, completed 29 laps
3. George Russell (Mercedes) – 1:17.145, +0.512 seconds, completed 19 laps
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1:17.199, +0.566 seconds, completed 26 laps
5. Oscar Piastri (McLaren/Mercedes) – 1:17.232, +0.599 seconds, completed 23 laps
6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull/Honda RBPT) – 1:17.242, +0.609 seconds, completed 30 laps
7. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 1:17.253, +0.620 seconds, completed 19 laps
8. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls/Honda RBPT) – 1:17.396, +0.763 seconds, completed 19 laps
9. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull/Honda RBPT) – 1:17.415, +0.782 seconds, completed 23 laps
10. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber/Ferrari) – 1:17.526, +0.893 seconds, completed 24 laps
11. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls/Honda RBPT) – 1:17.552, +0.919 seconds, completed 20 laps
12. Esteban Ocon (Haas/Ferrari) – 1:17.574, +0.941 seconds, completed 26 laps
13. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin/Mercedes) – 1:17.598, +0.965 seconds, completed 23 laps
14. Nico Hülkenberg (Sauber/Ferrari) – 1:17.664, +1.031 seconds, completed 25 laps
15. Carlos Sainz (Williams/Mercedes) – 1:17.801, +1.168 seconds, completed 24 laps
16. Alexander Albon (Williams/Mercedes) – 1:17.994, +1.361 seconds, completed 20 laps
17. Oliver Bearman (Haas/Ferrari) – 1:18.046, +1.413 seconds, completed 23 laps
18. Pierre Gasly (Alpine/Renault) – 1:18.412, +1.779 seconds, completed 24 laps
19. Franco Colapinto (Alpine/Renault) – 1:18.581, +1.948 seconds, completed 22 laps
20. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin/Mercedes) – 1:18.611, +1.978 seconds, completed 12 laps

Performance Highlights

Lando Norris

Lando Norris’s performance was particularly noteworthy. His ability to secure the fastest lap with a time of 1:16.633 reflects his growing confidence and skill on the track. Norris’s position as the leader in the final practice session sets a positive tone for his qualifying efforts and ultimately the race. With McLaren’s strong development over the season, Norris’s performance illustrates the team’s upward trajectory.

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, both driving for Ferrari, demonstrated competitive lap times, finishing just behind Norris. Hamilton’s 1:16.978 was not only fast but also consistent, indicating his readiness for the upcoming qualifying session. Russell’s performance, clocking in at 1:17.145, further emphasizes the competitive edge of the Ferrari team in this year’s championship.

Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri

Charles Leclerc, known for his aggressive driving style, managed to secure the fourth position with a time of 1:17.199, while Oscar Piastri, who is leading the championship standings, followed closely in fifth place. Both drivers showed promising speed, suggesting that they could challenge for pole position during qualifying.

Max Verstappen’s Struggles

Max Verstappen’s sixth-place finish was unexpected, given his dominant performances in previous races. His complaints about the car’s grip signal potential issues that could affect his performance in the qualifying rounds. As a veteran driver, however, Verstappen is known for his ability to adapt and overcome challenges, so it will be interesting to see how he addresses these concerns.

Gabriel Bortoleto’s Breakthrough

Gabriel Bortoleto’s performance with Sauber was a bright spot, landing him in the tenth position. His ability to outperform established drivers like Nico Hülkenberg highlights his potential and the emerging competitiveness of the Sauber team. This performance could be a turning point for Bortoleto as he continues to develop in the sport.

Track Conditions and Weather Impact

The conditions at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez played a significant role in the session. The high-altitude location of the track can impact car performance, particularly in terms of aerodynamics and engine power. Drivers often report varying grip levels, making it crucial for teams to optimize their setups to adapt to the track’s unique characteristics.

Looking Ahead to Qualifying

As the teams prepare for the qualifying session scheduled for later in the day, the results of the final practice session will undoubtedly influence strategies. Teams will analyze data collected during the session to fine-tune their setups and ensure they maximize performance during qualifying.

Strategic Considerations

Teams will likely consider tire strategies, fuel loads, and potential weather changes when making decisions for qualifying. The balance between speed and tire management will be critical, especially in a challenging environment like Mexico City. Additionally, the teams will be keenly aware of the need to secure a good grid position for the race, as overtaking can be difficult on this track.

Conclusion

The final practice session of the Mexican Grand Prix has set an exciting stage for the upcoming qualifying rounds. With Lando Norris leading the pack, followed closely by Hamilton, Russell, and others, fans can expect a thrilling contest as drivers vie for pole position. With the unpredictable nature of F1, anything can happen as we move into the next phase of the race weekend.