Hamilton takes first pole for Ferrari at Mexico City Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton took his first pole position for Ferrari at the Mexico City Grand Prix, edging Mercedes’ George Russell by 0.009 seconds. The result is his first pole in more than three years and puts him alongside Russell on the front row as they seek to keep Kimi Antonelli from clinching the world title on Sunday.
Hamilton’s 105th career pole came after a difficult weekend that included an engine issue in practice. Charles Leclerc qualified third, while Max Verstappen’s error on his final lap left him fourth after a one-place penalty; Antonelli qualified fifth but will start fourth. Antonelli can be denied the title only if Russell wins and he finishes below ninth, or Hamilton wins and Antonelli scores no points.
In short
- Hamilton claimed his first Ferrari pole.
- He beat Russell by 0.009 seconds.
- Antonelli starts fourth after Verstappen’s penalty.
Explained simply
Formula One is a series of races in which drivers compete for the drivers’ championship, with points awarded according to where they finish. Teams enter two cars, and qualifying sets the starting order for the race: the fastest driver starts from pole position.
Lewis Hamilton is a seven-time world champion who joined Ferrari after many years with Mercedes. His team-mate Charles Leclerc also drives for Ferrari, while George Russell and Kimi Antonelli race for Mercedes; Max Verstappen drives for Red Bull.
The Mexico City race is one of the remaining rounds in the season, so its result affects the championship standings. Antonelli is in contention for the title, and the finishing positions of the Mercedes and Ferrari drivers could affect whether he secures it this weekend.
Americas Motorsport Sport World