Charles Leclerc Dominates Practice as Kimi Antonelli Chases History

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc set the fastest time during Friday practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix, outpacing his rivals as twenty-year-old Kimi Antonelli prepared to chase his historic world championship.

Leclerc produced a lap of 1 minute 17.827 seconds during the second practice session at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, finishing ahead of McLaren driver Lando Norris.

Antonelli needs only a ninth-place finish on Sunday to secure his first world title and become the youngest champion in the history of Formula 1.

The Mercedes driver enters the weekend with a 123-point lead over team-mate George Russell and a 124-point edge over Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton.

Mercedes stated that Antonelli missed Thursday media obligations due to a viral illness but expected him to return to the car for track sessions.

Antonelli finished fourth in the second practice session, ending 0.217 seconds off the pace set by Leclerc.

“There are definitely more things we can improve going into tomorrow and we have some work to do overnight,” said Kimi Antonelli.

Ferrari enjoyed a strong opening day of the weekend, though Hamilton suffered a technical failure that forced him to park his car on track during the afternoon session.

“I was feeling really good in the car,” said Lewis Hamilton. “It's just my luck.”

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen and Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson collided during the second practice session after running side-by-side through several corners.

Race stewards penalized both drivers with a one-place grid drop for Sunday's race after ruling that their on-track contact was unacceptable.

“Maybe not very smart behaviour what he was trying to do there,” said Max Verstappen.

Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane described the collision between the two drivers as completely unnecessary.

Teams will return to the track for final practice and qualifying before Sunday's 71-lap race at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.