Lewis Hamilton bested Mercedes driver George Russell by just 0.009 seconds after setting an early benchmark that rivals could not surpass in their final runs. Meanwhile, Red Bull's Max Verstappen appeared poised to challenge for the top spot after pacing the opening two sectors, but a brake lockup at the stadium hairpin ruined his effort. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc also mounted a close challenge, ending the session only 0.119 seconds adrift of the leading pace. Antonelli now enters the race needing to manage his gap against the two front-row contenders to secure the drivers' crown.
Key points
Hamilton and Russell represent the only two drivers who can mathematically delay Antonell…: Hamilton and Russell represent the only two drivers who can mathematically delay Antonelli from clinching the title on Sunday.
Russell must claim victory with Antonelli placing tenth or worse to extend the championsh…: Russell must claim victory with Antonelli placing tenth or worse to extend the championship battle.
Hamilton requires a race victory alongside a scoreless finish from Antonelli to remain in…: Hamilton requires a race victory alongside a scoreless finish from Antonelli to remain in title contention.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
- Published
Lewis Hamilton has claimed his first pole position for Ferrari and his first for more than three years at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
The seven-time champion beat Mercedes' George Russell by 0.009 seconds as the two drivers who can potentially stop Kimi Antonelli clinching the world title on Sunday locked out the front row.
Antonelli qualified fifth behind Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Red Bull's Max Verstappen, but will start fourth because of a one-place penalty for the Dutchman.
The only way Antonelli can be prevented from winning the title is if Russell wins and the Italian finishes lower than ninth, or if Hamilton does and he is out of the points.
Hamilton's pole is his first since the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix, three years and three months ago.
He and Russell both went out early for their first runs and had to watch as their rivals sought and failed to beat them.
Leclerc went first, falling short of Hamilton by 0.119secs. Antonelli was never on target but Verstappen was fastest of all after two sectors and on…
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