Charles Leclerc leads FP1 in Mexico City Grand Prix as nine rookies join the grid. Ferrari shines with Leclerc ahead of Antonelli and Hulkenberg.
Introduction
Charles Leclerc kicked off the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend in style, setting the pace in a thrilling Free Practice 1 session that featured an exciting mix of experienced racers and nine rookie drivers. The Ferrari star edged out Mercedes junior Kimi Antonelli by just a tenth of a second, while Haas’s Nico Hulkenberg completed the top three in a session that offered a glimpse into Formula 1’s future.
The Atmosphere at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez
There’s something electric about racing in Mexico City. The high altitude, roaring fans, and tricky corners make this circuit a true test of driver skill and team preparation. FP1 set the tone for an action-packed weekend, as drivers navigated a dusty surface and unpredictable grip levels early on.
Leclerc Sets the Tone Early
Charles Leclerc was quick to stamp his authority. After Oscar Piastri set the early benchmark, Leclerc responded with a 1m 18.380s lap that proved untouchable by the end of the hour. It was the kind of performance that reminds fans why Ferrari can never be counted out, even on circuits where they’ve historically struggled.
Rookie Revolution: Nine Fresh Faces in FP1
FP1 in Mexico wasn’t just another practice session—it was a showcase of Formula 1’s next generation. Nine rookie drivers took to the track, gaining valuable experience and impressing teams under immense pressure. From Arvid Lindblad in Red Bull to Paul Aron in Alpine, the young guns made the session feel like a glimpse into F1’s future.
Antonelli Impresses on Debut
Mercedes’ prodigy Kimi Antonelli was arguably the standout of the rookies. Finishing just a tenth behind Leclerc, the young Italian showed composure and speed that belied his age. His 1m 18.487s lap time on soft tyres wasn’t just quick—it was a statement. For fans, it’s clear: Antonelli’s F1 debut can’t be far away.
Hulkenberg Delivers Another Consistent Session
In typical fashion, Nico Hulkenberg quietly went about his business and found himself third fastest by the end. With a steady run for Haas, his experience stood out among the rookies, serving as a benchmark for those still finding their rhythm on the slippery Mexican circuit.
Piastri’s Soft-Tyre Speed Run
Oscar Piastri was the first to dip below the 1m 20s mark, pushing his McLaren to the limits with an early soft-tyre run. His 1m 19.035s lap kept him comfortably ahead for much of the session until Ferrari and Mercedes turned up the heat. Still, Piastri’s pace reaffirmed why he’s in the thick of this season’s title fight.
Red Bull’s Rookie Gamble: Lindblad Shines
Arvid Lindblad, driving Max Verstappen’s Red Bull, made the most of his golden opportunity. Finishing sixth, just six-tenths off Leclerc’s pace, the 17-year-old Brit impressed with his smooth handling and composure. Red Bull’s new floor and cooling package looked promising, and Lindblad’s feedback will prove valuable heading into qualifying.
Tsunoda, Ocon, and the Battle for Midfield Glory
Yuki Tsunoda and Esteban Ocon were locked in a close fight in the midfield. Ocon’s early laps put him briefly at the top of the timesheets, but as grip improved, Tsunoda clawed back into the top eight. Both drivers demonstrated how competitive the midfield has become—a few tenths can mean everything.
Stand-in Drivers: Hungry to Prove Themselves
Beyond the top 10, several stand-in drivers made strong impressions. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) and Alex Albon (Williams) completed the top 10, while Isack Hadjar, Frederik Vesti, and Paul Aron all gained valuable data and experience. Each lap was a small audition, a chance to make team bosses take notice for 2026 seats.
Ferrari’s Momentum and Leclerc’s Confidence
For Ferrari, Leclerc’s FP1 dominance continues a trend of strong Fridays. The Monegasque’s feedback after the session was calm but confident, suggesting that Ferrari has found a balance that suits both low-speed corners and high-altitude straights—a crucial advantage at Mexico City’s unique 2,240-meter elevation.
The McLaren Mix-Up: Pato O’Ward’s Home Run
McLaren gave local hero Pato O’Ward his long-awaited run at home. Though not chasing lap times, his presence lit up the stands. The Mexican driver ran consistent laps, soaking in the cheers of fans who dream of seeing him on the F1 grid full-time one day.
Technical Takeaways: Red Bull’s New Floor and Cooling Package
Red Bull introduced a revised floor and cooling package for the weekend, hoping to regain an edge in performance. Though Verstappen wasn’t behind the wheel, Lindblad and Tsunoda’s runs provided essential feedback. The updates seem to improve airflow and temperature management—vital in Mexico’s thin air.
Late Session Drama and Track Evolution
As the session wore on, the circuit evolved rapidly. Dust cleared, grip improved, and lap times tumbled. Several drivers, including Hadjar and Vesti, ran wide at Turn 12, showcasing how tricky this track can be when pushing for those final tenths.
Mexico City’s Unique Challenges
Racing in Mexico is no easy feat. The thin air reduces downforce, making cars slide more and brakes overheat faster. It’s like sprinting at the top of a mountain—every move takes extra effort. Teams must carefully manage cooling and tyre wear, both of which will be critical come race day.
Final Thoughts and What to Expect Next
Leclerc’s FP1 victory sets an exciting tone for the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend. Antonelli’s impressive pace hints at the bright future of F1, while Piastri, Hulkenberg, and Lindblad showed that the field is as competitive as ever. With qualifying ahead, the stage is set for another thrilling showdown in the heart of Mexico.
FAQs
1. Who topped FP1 in the Mexico City Grand Prix?
Charles Leclerc led the FP1 session for Ferrari with a best lap of 1m 18.380s.
2. How did Kimi Antonelli perform in FP1?
Antonelli finished second, just a tenth behind Leclerc, showcasing immense promise in his rookie outing.
3. How many rookie drivers participated in FP1?
Nine rookies took part, giving fans a taste of Formula 1’s future talent pool.
4. What upgrades did Red Bull bring to Mexico?
Red Bull introduced a new floor and cooling package designed to enhance performance in Mexico’s high-altitude conditions.
5. Who were the standout rookie performers?
Kimi Antonelli and Arvid Lindblad stood out with impressive speed and composure throughout the session.
