Mexico GP: Lando Norris sets blistering final practice pace to leave title rivals behind, Lewis Hamilton second | F1 News
Lando Norris moved to the top of the timesheet in impressive fashion during final practice at the Mexico Grand Prix to set himself up for pole in Saturday night’s qualifying session, with Lewis Hamilton second for Ferrari.
After expressing concerns about McLaren’s pace on a single lap around the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez at the end of Friday’s session, the team and driver certainly found something special during season-ending testing on soft tires in the final hour of free practice.
Norris set a best lap of 1:16.633, 0.345 seconds faster than surprise runner-up Hamilton and half a second faster than the others.
The distant chasing pack included Norris’ championship leader teammate Oscar Piastri and in-form Red Bull Max Verstappen, who were more than half a second behind in fifth and sixth respectively.
“Lando was on fire in this session. Even in his race yesterday,” said Sky Sports F1 Karun Chandhok.
“He’s clearly in a good rhythm at this track. We all talk about Verstappen chasing the McLarens, but Lando is also tracking Oscar from Zandvoort when he retired.
“Let’s wait and see when we get to qualifying if that kind of P3 advantage still holds.”
Although the gap to Norris was large, Mercedes took third with George Russell, while Charles Leclerc improved to fourth with his final attempt in the other Ferrari.
Hamilton finished two tenths of a second faster than Leclerc, recovering from a complicated start to the session which saw the Briton brake himself and go off the track three times.
What’s next…
Sky Sports F1 Mexico GP Schedule
Saturday October 25
9:00 p.m.: preparation for qualifying for the Mexico GP*
10 p.m.: MEXICO GP QUALIFYING*
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Look back at some of the most dramatic moments from the Mexico Grand Prix
Sunday October 26
6:30 p.m.: Grand Prix Sunday: preparation for the Mexico GP*
8 p.m.: THE MEXICO GRAND PRIX*
10 p.m.: Checkered flag: reaction from the Mexico GP
*also on Sky Sports Main Event
The exciting Formula 1 title race continues this weekend at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez for the Mexico Grand Prix, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
