Lando Norris recorded the fastest time in the final practice session for the Mexico City Grand Prix, narrowly outpacing Kimi Antonelli. The McLaren driver posted a 1:17.600 lap at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Antonelli, driving for Mercedes, was just one thousandth of a second slower.
Antonelli is currently leading the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship standings. He holds a 123-point advantage over teammate George Russell and can secure his maiden title this weekend.
Charles Leclerc secured third position in FP3, 0.117 seconds behind Norris. Oscar Piastri finished fourth, with Max Verstappen completing the top five.
Haas announced a driver change for the remainder of the Grand Prix weekend. Ryō Hirakawa replaced Esteban Ocon in the VF-26 car.
Hirakawa, a 32-year-old Japanese driver, is a two-time FIA World Endurance Champion and 24 Hours of Le Mans winner with Toyota GAZOO Racing. This event marks his Formula 1 race debut.
Haas did not provide an official reason for Ocon’s withdrawal but confirmed it was not due to illness. Ocon’s contract with Haas was not renewed for the 2027 season.
Rafael Camara has been confirmed as Ocon’s replacement for 2027, following speculation of a tense atmosphere within the team. Hirakawa will partner Oliver Bearman for the rest of the Mexico City GP weekend.
The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit, situated over 2,200 meters above sea level, presents unique challenges. The thin air reduces downforce and cooling efficiency, requiring teams to run maximum-downforce configurations.
Sergio Perez did not set a time in FP3. Cadillac opted for a precautionary power unit change on his car.
Cadillac, a new F1 entrant in 2026, has struggled for points in its debut season. Perez is celebrating his 300th Grand Prix start at his home race.
Perez’s teammate, Valtteri Bottas, will start from the back of the grid due to a 50-place penalty. Cadillac exceeded the season allocation for five power unit components on his car.
Gabriel Bortoleto’s Audi suffered an engine issue early in the session, with smoke visible from the rear. The team subsequently changed his power unit.
Audi incurred two fines totaling €12,500 on Friday. This included a €7,500 penalty for releasing Freddie Slater’s car with a cooling fan attached in FP1.
A further €5,000 fine was issued for covering components and moving a covered floor in the pit lane during FP2, breaching FIA regulations.
Fernando Alonso experienced an engine problem at Turn 2, bringing out a brief yellow flag. The Aston Martin driver has faced recurring power unit issues with the Honda engine this season.
Leclerc had topped both Friday practice sessions. Verstappen reported brake issues during FP3.
George Russell struggled with a lack of rear grip in his Mercedes, finishing seventh. Verstappen and Liam Lawson will both serve one-place grid penalties for a collision in FP2.
