Overview
- Kimi Antonelli can clinch the 2026 Drivers’ Championship with a ninth-place finish or better at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday.
- Friday practice saw Charles Leclerc top FP1 while Mercedes’ Antonelli ran second and ten rookies took part in early running.
- Colton Herta completed 24 laps in FP1 to secure the final FIA Super Licence point he needed to open the door to an F1 race seat.
- George Russell and Mercedes say the 2026 power units and higher rear tyre pressures have hurt his natural driving style and contributed to inconsistent results this season.
- Off-track narratives include Daniel Ricciardo saying being released in 2024 helped him accept retirement and Gianpiero Lambiase agreeing to move from Red Bull to McLaren with gardening leave to follow.