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.

The session took place at the same venue where Herta secured his first-ever IndyCar win in 2019. The 26-year-old, who currently balances a challenging Formula 2 campaign with his duties as a Cadillac test driver, described the experience as super special.

Driving in front of a home crowd, Herta completed 21 laps in the MAC-26. He focused primarily on aerodynamic development work, which the team hopes will provide valuable data for the direction of their 2027 car programme.

Herta's appearance in Austin comes as he continues his pursuit of the necessary superlicence points required to compete in Formula 1. While his performance in the junior category has been difficult this season, the FP1 session provided a vital opportunity.

Reflecting on his historic 2019 victory at the Texas circuit, Herta recalled the success he achieved with the Harding Steinbrenner Racing team. At just 18 years and 359 days old, he became the youngest winner in IndyCar history.

During Friday's session, Herta noted the technical differences between the IndyCar machinery he is accustomed to and the current Cadillac F1 car. He highlighted that while the braking markers and entry speeds differ significantly, the fundamental approach remains consistent.

The driver spent a significant portion of his track time conducting specific aerodynamic experiments for the team. Despite the technical nature of his programme, Herta expressed satisfaction with how the session unfolded, noting that all planned objectives were met.

Herta is currently languishing in 19th place in the Formula 2 standings with 26 points. His last points haul with Hitech dates back to the Belgian round before the summer break, leaving the Californian with questions about his current form.

Cadillac has been evaluating its driver options for the 2027 season, with Herta remaining a prominent candidate for a potential seat. The team, led by principal Marcin Budkowski, has maintained a focus on long-term development for the outfit.

General Motors, the parent company behind the Cadillac F1 entry, is also making strides in its infrastructure. The team is set to inaugurate its new power unit manufacturing facility before the end of the year, marking a significant milestone.

Mark Reuss of General Motors recently thanked current drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas for their patience. He acknowledged that the team's debut season has been without points and noted that the construction process is logarithmic, not linear.

Speculation continues to surround the future of Valtteri Bottas at Cadillac. While the team looks to bring on an American driver, reports suggest that Esteban Ocon is also eyeing a seat at the American team for the 2027 season.

Team principal Marcin Budkowski has remained tight-lipped regarding potential signings for 2027. During the FIA team principals' press conference, he revealed that the American outfit has attracted interest from numerous drivers and their representatives regarding future vacancies.

As the 2026 season progresses, Cadillac continues to work through its debut year. Team management has emphasised that the construction process for the new outfit is a long-term project, with the focus currently placed on gathering data and refining performance.

For Herta, the focus now shifts back to the remainder of his racing commitments. Despite the frustrations of his current F2 season, the opportunity to contribute to the Cadillac F1 project remains a key priority for his career.

The Circuit of the Americas is hosting the United States Grand Prix without a Sprint weekend for the first time since 2022. This has allowed teams more time to focus on traditional practice sessions and car setup throughout the weekend.

Other storylines dominate the paddock in Austin, including Kimi Antonelli's potential to clinch the drivers' championship for Mercedes. The young Italian has been the subject of much discussion, including light-hearted advice from seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton.

Drivers have expressed concerns regarding the bumpy nature of the track surface at COTA. Several competitors have called for track changes to the physically demanding circuit, citing safety and the impact on the cars during high-speed sections.

Meanwhile, other young talents like Isack Hadjar are gaining experience in the F1 paddock. Hadjar has been competing with established stars like Hamilton, reflecting the ongoing transition of talent within the sport as the 2026 season nears its conclusion.

As the weekend continues, all eyes remain on the development of the Cadillac project. With the engine factory opening soon and driver decisions pending, the team is positioning itself for a more competitive showing in the coming years.