Leclerc goes top

We’ve been here before in practice, but Ferrari do look quick.

Leclerc has now gone top, 0.010 secs faster than Hamilton.

Antonelli remains in third, as teammate Russell asks for more grip and asks his team to give him the same plan as the Italian.

Kieran Jackson31 October 2026 18:14

Lewis Hamilton quickest

Halfway through the session now and Hamilton has gone fastest by 0.020 secs, leading a Ferrari one-two with Charles Leclerc.

3-10: Antonelli, Piastri, Russell, Verstappen, Noris, Hadjar, Lawson, Gasly

(PA)

Kieran Jackson31 October 2026 18:03

Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar:

”Oh my god, it’s the worst car all weekend, terrible.”

Kieran Jackson31 October 2026 18:01

Antonelli quickest early on

On-track, there are still some drivers who have not set a time as they come out in drips and drabs.

After 20 minutes, Antonelli is fastest, two-tenths quicker than George Russell, while Lewis Hamilton is third.

4-10: Piastri, Gasly, Lindblad, Lawson, Hulkenberg, Alonso, Stroll

Kieran Jackson31 October 2026 17:51

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu speaking to Sky Sports:

On Ocon being dropped: “I can’t tell you much, he’s not ill.

“I can’t go into details.”

Not much to garner from that then…

Kieran Jackson31 October 2026 17:46

Ryo Hirakawa in for Esteban Ocon

The big news of the day is that Esteban Ocon won’t take part in the rest of the grand prix weekend for Haas.

Instead, his place has been taken by 31-year-old Japanese reserve Ryo Hirakawa. Haas haven’t divulged any more details, but acknowledged that Ocon’s removal wasn’t down to illness.

Ocon is obviously leaving Haas at the end of the season anyway. Have we seen the last of the Frenchman in Formula 1?

Ryo Hirakawa (Reuters)(PA)

Kieran Jackson31 October 2026 17:36

FP3 underway in Mexico

The third and final hour of practice is underway under bright blue skies in Mexico City.

Immediately, there is an issue with Gabriel Bortoleto’s Audi engine…

Kieran Jackson31 October 2026 17:33

Start times this weekend in Mexico City:

• Free practice 3: 5:30pm
• Qualifying: 9pm

Kieran Jackson31 October 2026 17:27

Qualifying in Mexico City

Antonelli cruised to victory from pole in Texas, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in second and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in third. Hamilton missed out on a podium, while an early penalty resulted in Russell finishing a lowly eighth.

Lando Norris won last year’s race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, on his way to his maiden world title. After missing out last year, Sergio Perez returns to his home race off the back of signing a new contract with Cadillac this week.

Kieran Jackson31 October 2026 17:26