Leclerc fastest in Mexico City Grand Prix first practice
Charles Leclerc set the fastest time in first practice for the Mexico City Grand Prix, leading Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli by 0.659 seconds. Antonelli could secure his first world title on Sunday, with ninth place enough in most circumstances, making the session a preview of a potentially decisive race weekend.
Mercedes reserve Frederik Vesti was third in George Russell’s car, ahead of Lewis Hamilton. Ten teams used the session for mandatory rookie running, including Red Bull’s Ayumu Iwasa, who was fifth; Audi rookie Freddie Slater managed only 14 laps because of reliability problems and finished 19th. Cadillac prospect Colton Herta was 22nd, and the FIA said he had completed enough mileage to reach the 40-point superlicence threshold.
In short
- Leclerc led Antonelli by 0.659 seconds in first practice.
- Antonelli can clinch his first world title on Sunday.
- Rookie running featured across 10 teams.
Explained simply
Formula One is a series of races in which drivers and teams compete for separate championships. The Mexico City Grand Prix is one round of the season, and practice sessions let teams assess their cars and prepare for qualifying and the race.
Charles Leclerc drives for Ferrari, while Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton race for Mercedes. Antonelli is in contention for the drivers’ world title, which is decided by points across the season; the outcome of the Mexico City weekend could affect that contest.
Teams must give some practice time to young drivers who have not made many Formula One starts. These sessions give rookies experience and help teams assess their prospects, though limited running or car problems can affect how much they learn.
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