McLaren's Lando Norris delivered a spectacular performance in Mexico Grand Prix qualifying, securing pole position with a commanding margin while his championship-leading teammate Oscar Piastri faced unexpected challenges [1]. The British driver's achievement comes as a surprise even to himself, as he admitted to having sleep troubles leading up to the event [2].
The qualifying session revealed a significant shift in the usual pecking order, with Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who has dominated the season since the summer break, qualifying only fifth. The Dutch champion expressed pessimism about his chances, stating that "the car just isn't working" and suggesting a podium finish "is just not going to happen" [3].
Ferrari showed promising pace throughout qualifying, with Charles Leclerc matching Norris's times until the final sector [4]. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton secured an impressive P3 for Ferrari, praising the team's improved processes [5].
Championship leader Oscar Piastri's performance was particularly noteworthy, as he qualified seventh, over half a second slower than his teammate Norris. The Australian rookie admitted his lack of speed was "a mystery" [6], highlighting the unpredictable nature of the Mexico City circuit.
Racing Bulls' rookie Isack Hadjar showed promise despite expressing frustration with his qualifying performance, managing to shadow Piastri's position on the grid [7].
- Lando Norris Grabs F1 Mexico Pole as Verstappen and Piastri Struggle
- https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/lando-norris-shocked-by-stunning-mexico-gp-pole-ive-not-been-sleeping-well/10771309/
- https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/max-verstappen-mexico-gp-podium-is-just-not-going-to-happen-for-red-bull/10771346/
- https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/how-leclerc-matched-norris-in-mexico-gp-qualifying-until-the-final-sector/10771387/
- https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/lewis-hamilton-hails-ferrari-process-improvement-after-p3-qualifying-at-mexico-gp/10771305/
- https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/oscar-piastri-on-poor-mexico-f1-qualifying-my-lack-of-speed-is-a-mystery/10771357/
- https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/isack-hadjar-names-racing-bulls-main-issue-after-maxing-out-f1-mexico-gp-qualifying/10771548/