Lando Norris narrowly edged out championship leader Kimi Antonelli by just 0.001 seconds to top the final practice session at the 2026 Formula 1® Mexico Grand Prix. The intense battle unfolded at the high-altitude Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, setting the tone for a competitive qualifying session.
Norris recorded a fastest lap of 1:17.600 on soft tyres, just dipping under Antonelli’s earlier benchmark. Antonelli had led the session initially, showcasing strong pace for Mercedes, but Norris’s late effort secured the top spot. Charles Leclerc was the third quickest, followed closely by McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen. Lewis Hamilton, recovering from engine troubles in the previous session, managed to finish sixth, with George Russell and Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar completing the top eight.
The session highlighted the close competition among the leading teams—McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull Racing—on a challenging circuit known for its altitude and tricky conditions. Midfield teams also faced difficulties, with Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad rounding out the top ten. Haas made a notable change by replacing Esteban Ocon with Ryo Hirakawa for the weekend after Ocon was benched following a heated exchange with his race engineer. Meanwhile, Sergio Perez did not set a lap in FP3 due to a precautionary engine change, and Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto was sidelined by power unit issues.
Isack Hadjar expressed some frustration with his Red Bull car’s performance during the session, indicating that the team still has work to do to find the right balance. The high-altitude conditions at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez often pose unique challenges for teams, affecting engine performance and tyre behaviour.
The final practice session’s close times underline how tight the competition remains among the top contenders. While Norris’s marginal lead is notable, it does not necessarily predict qualifying or race results, as the teams continue to refine their setups ahead of the decisive sessions.
Haas’s decision to bench Esteban Ocon in favour of Ryo Hirakawa is a rare move, reflecting internal team dynamics that have yet to be fully explained. The absence of Sergio Perez and Gabriel Bortoleto from the session due to technical issues also adds an extra layer of complexity to the weekend’s unfolding story.
Overall, FP3 at the Mexico Grand Prix demonstrated the fine margins that separate drivers and teams in the championship. Norris’s narrow advantage over Antonelli highlights the competitive nature of this season, while the challenges faced by several drivers emphasize the demanding environment of this circuit.