The British Mercedes driver beat Spaniard Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) and Japanese Yuki Tsunoda (Racing Bulls). Max Verstappen (Red Bull) finished fourth.
Briton George Russell set the best time in the first free practice session for the Mexican Grand Prix, 20th round of the Formula 1 World Championship, on Friday while championship leader Max Verstappen finished 4th. At the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico, the Mercedes driver beat the Spaniard Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) and the Japanese Yuki Tsunoda, surprising 3rd at the wheel of his Racing Bulls. Visibly suffering from an engine problem at the very end of the session, Verstappen (Red Bull) finished 4th, ahead of the modest Haas of German Nico Hulkenberg. Followed by the Australian Oscar Piastri (McLaren) and the Frenchman Esteban Ocon (Alpine).
Widely acclaimed by his public, Sergio Pérez, Verstappen’s Mexican teammate, did not do better than 10th. He finished behind New Zealander Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls), 9th and whose name is regularly mentioned to replace him at Red Bull. Second in the world championship, 57 points behind Verstappen, Lando Norris (McLaren) did not take part in this first practice session. The Briton gave way to Mexican Patricio “Pato” O’Ward, McLaren reserve driver. In total, five young drivers took part in this hour of testing in place of the starters, as permitted by the regulations. For them, it’s mainly about accumulating precious kilometers.
Antonelli on track instead of Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton thus left his seat to Kimi Antonelli, who will replace him next year at Mercedes. The young Italian finished 12th in the session. Oliver Bearman, who replaced Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, saw his tests end prematurely after being hit by the Williams of Alexander Albon, who ended up in the wall. Spaniard Fernando Alonso was also absent from the track on Friday midday, replaced by Aston Martin reserve driver Felipe Drugovich, 18th best time on Friday midday.
In Mexico, the double world champion is competing in his 400th GP weekend. If he has “only” 396 starts for the moment, the 43-year-old veteran should pass the symbolic milestone of 400 starts during the Qatar GP in early December, a first in the history of F1. A second free practice session, dedicated to testing Pirelli tires for 2025, is scheduled for Friday afternoon from 4:00 p.m. local time (Saturday 12:00 a.m. Paris time). The third and final session will take place on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. (7:30 p.m.) before qualifying scheduled for 3:00 p.m. (11:00 p.m.).
. 1st free practice session:
1. George Russell (GBR/Mercedes) 1:17.998 (24 tours)
2. Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP/Ferrari) 1:18.315 (25)
3. Yuki Tsunoda (JPN/Racing Bulls-Red Bull) 1:18.699 (24)
4. Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull) 1:18.839 (14)
5. Nico Hülkenberg (GER/Haas-Ferrari) 1:18.904 (18)
6. Oscar Piastri (AUS/McLaren-Mercedes) 1:18.958 (24)
7. Esteban Ocon (FRA/Alpine-Renault) 1:18.996 (22)
8. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Sauber-Ferrari) 1:19.048 (24)
9. Liam Lawson (NZL/Racing Bulls-Red Bull) 1:19.093 (26)
10. Sergio Pérez (MEX/Red Bull) 1:19.094 (23)
11. Franco Colapinto (ARG/Williams-Mercedes) 1:19.109 (21)
12. Andrea Kimi (ITA/Mercedes) 1:19.200 (19)
13. Patricio O’Ward (MEX/McLaren-Mercedes) 1:19.295 (21)
14. Kevin Magnussen (DEN/Haas-Ferrari) 1:19.335 (23)
15. Pierre Gasly (FRA/Alpine-Renault) 1:19.340 (20)
16. Lance Stroll (CAN/Aston Martin-Mercedes) 1:19.600 (18)
17. Alexander Albon (THA/Williams-Mercedes) 1:19.812 (7)
18. Felipe Drugovich (BRA/Aston Martin-Mercedes) 1:19.819 (17)
19. Robert Shwartzman (ISR/Sauber-Ferrari) 1:20.888 (18)
20. Oliver Bearman (GBR/Ferrari) 1:21.256 (7)
