Leclerc tops the first practice session in Mexico

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc set the fastest time in the first practice session of the Mexico Grand Prix. Leclerc finished 0.659 seconds ahead of Kimi Antonelli, who is close to the championship, and also put a big gap between himself and the rest of the field.

Expectations that Ferrari will be strong at this track continue. The team's small turbo engine works well at high altitude. Lewis Hamilton finished fourth after a messy lap on the soft tyre. Ferrari is aiming for only its third win this season.

Antonelli is not expected to be greatly affected by this result over the weekend. Finishing ninth or better on Sunday is enough to secure the drivers' championship for him.

Ten rookie drivers took the place of the main drivers in the practice session. Because of a rule, rookies must race in both cars twice during the season. Only Ferrari kept both of its regular drivers on track. Mercedes reserve driver Frederik Vesti was third, while Ayumu Iwasa was fifth in Max Verstappen's Red Bull.

Formula 2 driver Colton Herta completed 24 laps, covering 100 kilometres, and earned Super Licence points. His total reached 40, the amount needed to become a full-time F1 driver. Cadillac's management is reportedly keen to give him a seat for 2027. This also threatens the future of Valtteri Bottas, who has recently joined the team.