Charles Leclerc set the pace in the opening practice session for the 2026 Formula 1® Mexico Grand Prix, posting a fastest lap of 1m18.128s. The Ferrari driver finished comfortably ahead of rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who impressed by securing second place, followed by Frederik Vesti, who was substituting for George Russell at Mercedes.
Leclerc’s time was 0.659 seconds quicker than Antonelli’s best effort, highlighting a strong start for the championship contender. Vesti completed the top three with a lap of 1m18.861s. The session was notable for the participation of ten rookies, with every team except Ferrari running a rookie driver during FP1. Lewis Hamilton was fourth fastest, just over seven tenths behind Leclerc, while Red Bull Racing’s substitute driver Ayumu Iwasa took fifth place on medium tyres.
The FP1 session at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez began with slower lap times that improved as the track conditions evolved. Antonelli showed early promise by significantly improving on hard tyres before Leclerc reclaimed the top spot. Several drivers encountered challenges, including technical issues for Audi’s Freddie Slater and off-track moments for McLaren’s Leonardo Fornaroli and Oscar Piastri. Jak Crawford brought out a brief virtual safety car after stopping at Turn 1. Tyre strategies varied, with many drivers opting for soft tyre runs in the latter part of the session.
The track at the Mexico City circuit is known for its significant evolution over the race weekend due to limited use throughout the year, which was reflected in the improving lap times during FP1. This session provided an early look at driver form and team setups, though conditions were not fully representative of qualifying or race pace.
Ferrari’s strong showing with Leclerc leading and Hamilton close behind contrasts with Mercedes’ use of rookies Antonelli and Vesti in the session. Red Bull Racing also fielded substitute drivers, with Iwasa and Isack Hadjar participating. Other teams such as McLaren, Alpine, Aston Martin, Haas, Audi, Cadillac, and Racing Bulls also took part, often using FP1 to give experience to less seasoned drivers.
While Leclerc’s pace was clear in FP1, the session’s evolving track and mixed tyre strategies mean that the times should be viewed as an early indicator rather than a definitive measure of competitiveness for the weekend. The involvement of numerous rookies highlights the importance teams place on gathering data and experience in practice sessions.
Overall, the first practice session at the 2026 Mexico Grand Prix showcased Leclerc’s speed and the potential of several rookies, setting the stage for further developments as the weekend progresses.