Charles Leclerc sets practice pace at Mexico City Grand Prix

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc recorded the fastest lap time during Friday practice sessions at the Mexico City Grand Prix on 30 October. BBC News reported that Leclerc led McLaren driver Lando Norris by 0.103 seconds, while Mercedes driver George Russell was third, trailing by an additional 0.003 seconds. [1]

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli finished fourth fastest in practice, placing 0.217 seconds behind Leclerc and ahead of Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar, according to BBC News. Antonelli holds 365 points after 18 races this season, Variety reported. The Guardian reported that the 20 year old Italian driver is on the verge of becoming the youngest world champion in Formula One history. [1][2][5]

Only a race victory by Russell or Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton can mathematically delay Antonelli from securing the championship on Sunday, BBC News reported. Even if Russell or Hamilton wins, Antonelli needs only to finish in ninth or 10th place respectively to lock up the title. [1]

The event takes place at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City. The Mexican Grand Prix was first held as a non championship event in 1962 and returned to the calendar in 2015, with a contract to host races through 2028. As FTMQ News reported earlier, Leclerc also recorded the fastest time in Friday practice at the previous race in Austin, Texas. [10][13]