Charles Leclerc Leads Practice at 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc topped practice sessions ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix, as Kimi Antonelli closes in on a historic title.
Quick facts
- Charles Leclerc set a fastest lap time of 1:17.827 during the second practice session.
- Kimi Antonelli leads the championship by 123 points over teammate George Russell.
- Antonelli needs only a ninth-place finish to secure the 2026 Formula 1 title.
Why it matters
The 2026 season is reaching a critical inflection point where a new generation of drivers is challenging established veterans. The potential for Kimi Antonelli to secure the championship this weekend highlights a shift in the sport's hierarchy. The intensity of practice sessions, marked by collisions and tight margins, reflects the pressure on drivers as the season nears its conclusion.
Charles Leclerc has set the pace at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, topping both practice sessions on Friday ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix. As of October 31, 2026, the Ferrari driver recorded a best lap time of 1:17.827 in the second session, positioning himself as a strong contender for the weekend's race.
Why it is trending now
The race weekend is capturing significant attention as 20-year-old Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli stands on the verge of becoming the youngest Formula 1 champion in history. Despite missing media duties earlier in the week due to a viral illness, Antonelli performed well in practice, finishing second in the first session and fourth in the second. He requires only two more championship points—a ninth-place finish—to mathematically clinch the title.
Key facts
- Charles Leclerc led the second practice session with a time of 1:17.827, according to reporting by ABC News.
- Kimi Antonelli enters the weekend with a 123-point lead over his teammate, George Russell, as noted by ABC News.
- The Mexico City Grand Prix is the fourth-to-last round of the 2026 season.
- Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson were involved in a collision during practice sessions, according to ABC News.
Why this is trending in Australia
The Mexico City Grand Prix is attracting interest among Australian Formula 1 fans due to the high-stakes championship battle and the involvement of young talent in the title race. The event serves as a major milestone in the 2026 season calendar.
Background and context
The 2026 Formula 1 season has been dominated by the Mercedes team, specifically the performance of Kimi Antonelli. George Russell must win the race on Sunday to keep his remaining championship hopes alive. The high altitude of the Mexico City circuit at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez historically provides a unique challenge for both car cooling and engine performance.
What happens next
The event continues through the weekend, with the final race scheduled for Sunday. Australian fans can follow the action via a live blog provided by ABC Sport, starting Monday, November 2, at 5:30am AEDT.
Frequently asked questions
Who was the fastest in the Mexico City Grand Prix practice?
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc was the fastest in both Friday practice sessions at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
What does Kimi Antonelli need to win the F1 title?
Kimi Antonelli needs just two more points, which equates to a ninth-place finish in the Mexico City Grand Prix, to secure the 2026 Formula 1 championship.
When is the Mexico City Grand Prix race?
The race is scheduled for this weekend. Australian viewers can follow the live coverage via an ABC Sport blog starting at 5:30am AEDT on Monday, November 2.
How many rounds are left in the 2026 F1 season?
There are four rounds remaining in the 2026 Formula 1 season, including the current event in Mexico City.
Why is the Mexico City circuit challenging?
The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is known for its high altitude, which impacts car performance, particularly regarding engine cooling and aerodynamics.
What happened between Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson?
According to reports, the two drivers were involved in a collision during the practice sessions on Friday.
In this story
Sources
- ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation: Ferrari fastest as Verstappen says Kiwi rival should 'act a little smarter'
- Motorsport.com: LIVE: F1 Mexico GP updates - Qualifying resumes after Fernando Alonso's Aston Martin stops on track | Live text
- Auto Action: F1-Charles Leclerc-2026-Mexico City Grand Prix-FP2
Trend snapshot
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Last checked Nov 1, 2026 at 3:15 AM. Trends move fast, so details may change. How we work · How we verify
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