F1 qualifying results: Lando Norris storms Mexico GP pole as Ferrari locks out the chase

F1 Mexico qualifying delivered a statement lap from Lando Norris on Saturday evening in Mexico City, with the McLaren driver clocking 1:15.586 to take pole for the Mexico GP. He heads a front row completed by Charles Leclerc, with Lewis Hamilton third after Ferrari’s strongest all-round Saturday of the year. Mercedes slotted in behind with George Russell P4 and rookie Kimi Antonelli P6, while a frustrated Max Verstappen split them in fifth.

Mexico GP qualifying: top 10 at a glance

1. Lando Norris (McLaren) — 1:15.586

2. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) — +0.262

3. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) — +0.352

4. George Russell (Mercedes) — +0.448

5. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) — +0.484

6. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) — +0.532

7. Carlos Sainz (Williams) — +0.586 (five-place grid penalty to be applied)

8. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) — +0.588 (will start P7 after Sainz’s penalty)

9. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) — +0.666

10. Oliver Bearman (Haas) — +0.874

Note: Final starting grid reflects penalties; teams may confirm additional changes after scrutineering.

How F1 qualifying swung at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez

High altitude again shaped the F1 Mexico qualifying story: low air density trimmed downforce and cooled brakes, forcing drivers to lean on mechanical grip and tire prep. Norris looked planted from the first timed runs in Q3, then found another step with a clean middle sector to put clear air between himself and the Ferraris. Leclerc’s final flyer threatened the benchmark through Sector 1 before slipping away in the stadium section; Hamilton’s lap was tidy and aggressive, sealing Ferrari’s 2–3.

Further back, Verstappen wrestled with balance and rear stability—good enough for the third row but short of usual Mexico City magic. Russell maximized Mercedes’ tidy mid-corner platform, and Antonelli continued his composed rookie run with a top-six. Piastri never matched Norris’ comfort window and admitted the gap was puzzling; he gains a spot on the grid thanks to Sainz’s five-place drop.

Surprise packages and near-misses

• Isack Hadjar lit up Q1 at the top of the times and converted the speed into a career-best P9 in Q3—crisp on turn-in and brave on entry.

• Oliver Bearman nailed a late lap to take P10, underlining Haas’ single-lap progress at altitude.

• Q2 casualties included a high-profile name from the Red Bull camp, with a marginal sector costing a place in the pole shootout.

What pole means for the Mexico GP start

Mexico’s 830m run to Turn 1 is one of the longest on the calendar—pole is valuable, but the slipstream can flip the order by the first braking zone. Expect:

• Tow chess: Leclerc and Hamilton will try to tandem the launch to box Norris in. Managing temps in the long build-up to lights out is crucial at altitude.

• Brake life & lift-off oversteer: With thinner air, cooling and rear stability become race-long jobs. The team that keeps rear tires alive through the stadium section will own the final stint.

• Undercut power: Pit delta is relatively small; fresh rubber can be potent. An early stop from the chasing pack could force McLaren to defend with track position rather than raw pace.

F1 qualifying today: key takeaways for title math

Norris’ pole trims psychological distance in the drivers’ fight and positions him to convert maximum points if he nails the launch and controls strategy. Piastri starts near the sharp end but needs progression on race pace to protect his championship lead. Verstappen, typically clinical in Mexico, must conjure passes or win on strategy to stay in touch.

Mexico GP qualifying, session notes

• Track evolution was pronounced; most gains came from cleaner prep laps and tire temps rather than setup changes between runs.

• Teams avoided extreme wing trims despite the altitude to preserve cornering grip in Sectors 2 and 3.

• Traffic management in Q1 was decisive—several midfield laps were compromised by trains forming before the stadium.

When does the Mexico GP start?

• Grand Prix start time: Sunday, Oct. 26 — 9:00 p.m. UK / 4:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. PT (local schedules may vary).

• Race distance: 71 laps, 4.304 km per lap.

The grid to watch into Turn 1

• Row 1: Norris — Leclerc

• Row 2: Hamilton — Russell

• Row 3: Verstappen — Antonelli

• Row 4: Piastri — (Sainz drops behind after penalty)

• Row 5: Hadjar — Bearman

Altitude, tow, and tire life will define Sunday. If Norris controls the launch, the McLaren sets the tone; if Ferrari splits him into Turn 1, strategy fireworks begin immediately. Either way, Mexico GP qualifying has teed up a heavyweight chess match at one of F1’s most unpredictable opening corners.