Many drivers gave up their cars during the first session in Mexico City, as this is mandatory twice a season. Verstappen was replaced by Arvid Lindblad (18) and at McLaren, for example, Lando Norris remained on the sidelines and the Mexican Pato O’Ward was given a chance.
At the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, where the asphalt improved considerably as the training progressed, Leclerc ultimately set the fastest time: 1.18.380. Kimi Antonelli, Nico Hülkenberg and World Cup leader Oscar Piastri followed. Lindblad clocked the sixth fastest time.
McLaren boss Zak Brown sees that there is peace again at competitor Red Bull: ‘And Max Verstappen seems better than ever at the moment’
Verstappen will come into action later, on the night from Friday to Saturday, during the second training (starts at 00:00 Dutch time). His team Red Bull has introduced a changed surface in Mexico, an upgrade of the new floor that was brought to Monza at the beginning of September. In this way, the RB21 has to do just that little bit more downforce generate (downward pressure).