Mexico City Grand Prix Practice: Verstappen Shines, McLaren Struggles

Key Points

• Max Verstappen led Mexico City Grand Prix practice on October 24, 2025, outpacing Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc by 0.153 seconds.
• McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, the championship leader, struggled in 12th, 0.840 seconds off Verstappen’s pace.
• Lando Norris, fourth fastest, showed potential but lagged 0.251 seconds behind in Mexico City Grand Prix practice.
• High-altitude conditions at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez challenged teams, with Verstappen adapting best.
• Tyre strategy differences, with Red Bull on softs and others on mediums, clouded race pace comparisons.

Verstappen’s Commanding Start

Max Verstappen dominated Mexico City Grand Prix practice, setting a blistering pace while McLaren’s title contenders faced unexpected hurdles.

McLaren’s Challenge Ahead

Mexico City Grand Prix practice exposed McLaren’s struggles, particularly for Piastri, as they seek pace before qualifying.

Mexico City Grand Prix Practice: Verstappen Sets the Tone

A Dominant Display by Verstappen

Max Verstappen asserted his supremacy in Mexico City Grand Prix practice on October 24, 2025, at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. The Red Bull driver topped both sessions, edging Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc by 0.153 seconds with a commanding lap in the RB20. Despite the high-altitude circuit’s thin air, which reduces aerodynamic grip and engine performance, Verstappen adapted seamlessly. His pace in qualifying and race simulations solidified his status as the benchmark. Mexico City Grand Prix practice showcased Verstappen’s relentless pursuit of a fourth consecutive title, narrowing the 64-point gap to leader Oscar Piastri over recent races.

McLaren’s Unexpected Struggles

Mexico City Grand Prix practice revealed challenges for McLaren. Lando Norris, a consistent front-runner, managed fourth, 0.251 seconds off Verstappen’s pace, while championship leader Oscar Piastri struggled in 12th, trailing by 0.840 seconds. Piastri, the only McLaren driver in both sessions due to Norris ceding a session to a rookie per regulations, couldn’t find rhythm. “We’re off the pace,” a team source admitted. Mexico City Grand Prix practice highlighted setup issues for McLaren, particularly for Piastri, whose long-run pace lagged Norris by over 0.5 seconds.

Tyre Strategies and Race Pace

Tyre choices complicated race pace comparisons in Mexico City Grand Prix practice. Red Bull ran long stints on soft tyres, while Ferrari and Mercedes opted for mediums. Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli impressed, matching Leclerc’s strong long-run rhythm, while George Russell trailed slightly. Verstappen, switching to mediums, reported grip issues, likening the car to “driving on ice.” Ferrari’s engineers noted Norris’s potential, with Bryan Bozzi radioing Leclerc that Norris looked “very fast.” Mexico City Grand Prix practice suggests McLaren has pace to unlock, but Piastri’s struggles raise concerns for their title fight.

Standout Performances and Minor Setbacks

Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton secured fifth, just ahead of Russell, while AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso shone in seventh and eighth. The sessions were largely clean, though Williams’ Alex Albon brushed the wall exiting the final corner, limiting him to 19th. Mexico City Grand Prix practice underscored the circuit’s challenges, with its 2,200-meter elevation testing car setups. Verstappen’s adaptability contrasted with McLaren’s search for balance, setting a tense stage for qualifying.

Championship Implications

Verstappen’s dominance in Mexico City Grand Prix practice tightens the championship race. With Piastri’s lead shrinking, McLaren faces pressure to optimize their setup. “We’ve got work to do,” Norris said post-session. Ferrari’s consistency, led by Leclerc and bolstered by Hamilton and Antonelli, positions them as threats. Fans are buzzing: “Verstappen’s untouchable,” one tweeted. Mexico City Grand Prix practice hints at a pivotal weekend, with Red Bull’s edge and McLaren’s struggles shaping the narrative.

Key Data: Mexico City Grand Prix Practice (October 24, 2025)

Looking Ahead

Mexico City Grand Prix practice sets up a thrilling qualifying and race. Verstappen’s pace makes him the favorite, but McLaren’s adjustments could close the gap. “We’ll fight back,” Piastri vowed. Ferrari and Mercedes lurk as contenders, with Antonelli’s long-run pace a wildcard. Mexico City Grand Prix practice has ignited anticipation, with Verstappen’s dominance and McLaren’s challenges promising a dramatic weekend at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

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