Twists, disappointment, and ambition – this is how the qualifying session just concluded at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico can be described.
Back on track after the conclusion of FP3 for qualifying in Mexico. With the McLarens appearing unbeatable, it was Carlos Sainz who secured pole position for the Grand Prix in the land of wrestlers and mariachi, setting the fastest time at 1:15.946. Max Verstappen will also start from the front row alongside the Spanish driver, while the second row is occupied by Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc. The Top 10 is completed by George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, Kevin Magnussen, Pierre Gasly, and Alex Albon.
The exclusion of Oscar Piastri in Q1 is not the only point of contention; Sergio Perez‘s elimination carries a heavier weight, significantly raising the pressure on the Red Bull seat, especially during his home Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Q2 is marked by a red flag caused by the Japanese Racing Bulls driver, Yuki Tsunoda, who lost control of his car and crashed into the wall.

The recap of the qualifying session in Mexico
Q1 begins with the backdrop of Checo Perez’s fans – the first to leave the pits are the two SF-24s of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, followed by Max Verstappen, who is aiming for his ninth pole position of the season. The two from Maranello start the qualifying session in Mexico pushing to the limit and positioning themselves at the front, but soon after, Lando Norris snatches the top spot from the Spaniard with a time of 1:17.203, while Oscar Piastri sets the ninth fastest time.
The Dutch driver from Milton Keynes lowers last year’s pole position time even further, completing the lap in 1:16.998. However, shortly after, title contender Lando Norris positions himself right in front of the time set by the RB20. The Englishman is faster by +0.493, while it’s a nightmare for the papaya-clad Australian, who gets eliminated. The first to be eliminated is Franco Colapinto, followed by Oscar Piastri, Sergio Perez, Esteban Ocon, and Zhou Guanyu—all of them out of Q2. Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz finishes Q1 between Norris and Verstappen, with Charles Leclerc just behind him.
After the shocking twists of Q1, the timer starts for Q2. The second phase of qualifying begins with Charles Leclerc having a time deleted for track limits at Turn 2. Max Verstappen takes the lead, but Lando Norris quickly responds, completing his lap in 1:16.301, putting +0.328 between himself and the Red Bull driver. The two Mercedes set the 3rd and 4th fastest times, with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton respectively, ahead of Carlos Sainz. With five minutes to go, all the cars return to the pits, except for Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz, Alex Albon, and Charles Leclerc, who is the last of the eliminations.
The Monegasque, the last pole man in Mexico, manages to improve his time, securing third position and pushing Fernando Alonso, in his 400th career appearance, down to 11th place, thus eliminating him from Q3. Q2 ends a few seconds early as Yuki Tsunoda crashes into the wall. Not making it to Q3 are the Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson, along with Aston Martin’s Spaniard Lance Stroll and Valtteri Bottas.

It’s time to determine the Pole Man of Mexico as Q3 begins. The first to set a provisional pole position is Max Verstappen, while Lando Norris positions himself right behind during the first flying lap. The red Ferrari flame lights up as Carlos Sainz crosses the finish line with a time of 1:16.055, ahead of Charles Leclerc, George Russell, and Lewis Hamilton. Meanwhile, the championship leader has his time deleted and finds himself in tenth position. With three minutes to go, the cars head back out for one last attempt.
Now, all eyes are set on 21:00 (Italian time) tomorrow for the start of the Mexican Grand Prix at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez to see who will be the “new mariachi” of the city.
Photos: Formula 1, Scuderia Ferrari HP.