Will the race be decided before Turn 3? Leclerc says overtaking will be scarce, with the order set in the opening corners at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
Leclerc topped both Friday practice sessions but could only line up third. His teammate, seven‑time champion Lewis Hamilton, clinched his first pole with Ferrari, while Mercedes’ George Russell completes the front row.
Despite confidence in Ferrari’s speed, Leclerc warns the low‑grip Mexico City surface will make passing a real challenge.
I think the pace feels strong and the car has been solid since FP1, so we have race pace, but I doubt there’ll be any overtakes tomorrow,” Leclerc told the post‑qualifying press conference.
Charles Leclerc – Ferrari.
I pushed harder in FP2, yet overtaking mode barely helped. Whatever the order after Turn 3, catching anyone will be tough, which is a shame after missing out when it mattered.
If a tow from Hamilton is available, I’ll stay low and see what I can do. Turn 1 is always exciting, so we’ll find out.
Leclerc sits fifth in the drivers’ standings with 233 points, while the battle for second tightens—only nine points separate P2 and P5. Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli leads the championship, with Russell second, Hamilton third and Max Verstappen fourth. For my money, Ferrari’s pace could still surprise if strategy clicks.
The Mexican Grand Prix is scheduled for 1 November at 2 pm local time (8 pm UK).
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– The Team