Leclerc Tops FP1 as Rookies Shine in Mexico
The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez came alive as Formula 1 returned for the Mexican Grand Prix weekend. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc set the fastest time in FP1, but the standout story was the stellar performance of rookie drivers taking center stage.
Leclerc Edges Out Pérez in Tight Session
Leclerc clocked a 1:19.024, narrowly beating local hero Sergio Pérez (Red Bull) by 0.046s. Championship leader Max Verstappen finished third (+0.095s), hinting at a close battle ahead. Ferrari’s strong pace surprised many, especially after their struggles in Austin. Team principal Frédéric Vasseur stressed the need for precise setup tweaks ahead of qualifying.
Rookies Make Their Mark
Four young drivers took over FP1 seats as part of F1’s mandatory rookie sessions:
– Oscar Piastri (McLaren, P7) – Continued his impressive form, just 0.8s off Leclerc.
– Logan Sargeant (Williams, P12) – Delivered a clean run under pressure to secure his 2024 seat.
– Jack Doohan (Alpine, P15) – Made a promising debut, excelling in technical sections.
– Théo Pourchaire (Alfa Romeo, P19) – The F2 champion impressed with smooth feedback in his first F1 weekend.
High-Altitude Challenges
At 2,285m, Mexico City’s thin air cuts downforce and engine power, forcing teams to maximize wing settings. Tire wear will be critical on the slippery surface, potentially shaking up race strategy.
Mercedes had a quiet session (Hamilton P5, Russell P9), testing setups for a stronger qualifying push.
What’s Next in Mexico?
FP2 will reveal long-run pace and tire strategies. Key questions:
– Can Ferrari sustain their speed against Red Bull?
– Will rookies build on their FP1 success?
– How will tire degradation influence Sunday’s race?
With rising stars and title contenders in the mix, the Mexican GP promises thrilling action.
