Overview
- Charles Leclerc led both Friday practice sessions at the Mexico City Grand Prix, setting the fastest FP2 lap of 1:17.827 and establishing Ferrari as the early benchmark.
- Lewis Hamilton suffered a suspected power‑unit failure in FP2 and was told to stop on track, which ended his running and leaves Ferrari working overnight on repairs.
- Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson made contact in the stadium section during FP2, scattering debris, triggering a red flag and prompting a stewards’ summons for both drivers.
- Kimi Antonelli remains fit and in position to clinch the 2026 drivers’ title this weekend if he finishes ninth or better in Sunday’s race.
- Mexico City’s high altitude is a key technical factor because it worsens cooling and power‑unit stress, a likely contributor to Hamilton’s and Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto’s technical problems and a focus for teams ahead of FP3 and qualifying.