Lando Norris topped the timesheets in the third and final practice session for the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix on Friday. The McLaren driver produced a rapid lap to edge out his rivals at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
Norris clocked a best time of 1:17.600s, finishing just one thousandth of a second ahead of Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Charles Leclerc secured the third-fastest time, maintaining his competitive form throughout the weekend.
The session provided crucial data for teams as they fine-tuned their setups ahead of the qualifying hour. With the championship battle intensifying, every millisecond proved vital during the hour-long practice run.
Oscar Piastri continued to demonstrate McLaren's strong pace by securing fourth position. The Australian driver finished ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton, who rounded out the top six.
The tight margins at the front of the field suggest a highly competitive qualifying session later today. Drivers struggled with the unique challenges of the high-altitude circuit, which affects both engine performance and aerodynamic downforce.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli enters the weekend with a significant opportunity to secure the World Championship title. His performance in practice indicates he remains a primary contender for pole position.
The Mexico City Grand Prix is the 20th round of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Following this weekend's action, the paddock will head to São Paulo for the next round of the championship.
Teams will now focus on analyzing the telemetry gathered during the final practice session. Adjustments to wing levels and tire management strategies will be finalized before the cars head out for qualifying.
The high-altitude nature of the Mexico City track requires teams to run maximum downforce configurations. Despite the thin air, the cars are expected to reach high speeds on the long start-finish straight.
Drivers reported varying levels of grip as the track surface continued to evolve throughout the morning. Managing tire temperatures remains a key priority for all teams to ensure optimal performance over a single qualifying lap.
Lewis Hamilton looked to recover from a difficult second practice session yesterday. The seven-time world champion focused on race simulations and qualifying preparation to ensure a strong starting position.
Max Verstappen remained within striking distance of the leaders, highlighting the close nature of the field. The Dutchman is aiming to maximize points as the season enters its final stages.
The battle for the constructors' championship also remains a major focus for the top teams. McLaren's recent upgrades appear to be paying dividends, with both drivers consistently featuring at the sharp end of the grid.
Qualifying will determine the starting order for Sunday's main race. Fans are expecting a dramatic session as the drivers push their limits on the challenging 4.304-kilometer circuit.
The Mexico City Grand Prix weekend concludes with the main race on Sunday. Qualifying takes place later today to set the grid for the final showdown at this iconic venue.
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