McLaren’s Lando Norris pipped Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli by 0.001s in final practice for the Mexico City Grand Prix to set up a thrilling qualifying.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc had topped both of Friday’s practice sessions but McLaren and Mercedes showed their hand to outpace the Monegasque driver by one tenth of a second.
Antonelli is likely to become world champion in Sunday’s race as he only needs a top-nine finish to secure the Formula 1 drivers’ title.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri was fourth while Red Bull appear to be out of the pole position battle as Max Verstappen was 0.351s off the pace, but there seems to be a genuine three-team fight at the front for qualifying later on Saturday at 9pm (build-up from 8pm), live on Sky Sports F1.
Regardless of what he does in qualifying, Verstappen cannot start on pole position as he and Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson have a one-grid place penalty for colliding in second practice on Friday.
The stewards called the incident “unacceptable”, with both drivers admitting the clash was “unnecessary and clumsy”.
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More drama took place before final practice on Saturday as Haas made the shock decision to replace Esteban Ocon with reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa for the remainder of the weekend.
The team provided no reason for replacing Ocon, but confirmed the Frenchman was not suffering from illness.
Haas recently confirmed that Ocon will be leaving the team at the end of this season after two years with the American-owned squad, with Brazilian youngster Rafael Camara signed as his replacement.
Hirakwa, a 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, has taken part in several practice sessions for Haas over the last two years and was 19th in final practice, six tenths down on team-mate Oliver Bearman.
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More to follow…
Sky Sports F1’s live Mexico City GP schedule
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Saturday October 31
5.15pm: Mexico City Grand Prix Practice Three (session starts at 6.30pm)
8pm: Mexico City Grand Prix Qualifying build-up
9pm: MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING
11pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday November 1
6.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Mexico City GP build-up
8pm: THE MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX*
10pm: Chequered Flag: Mexico City GP reaction
11pm: Ted’s Notebook
*also on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 is in Mexico City where Kimi Antonelli could win the Drivers’ Championship in Sunday’s race at 8pm (build-up from 6.30pm), live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime