Team Insights: Friday Practice at the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix
Teams navigated the challenges of high altitude and low grip during Friday practice in Mexico City. Ferrari led the way with strong performances from Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, while other teams worked through various technical and performance hurdles.
The first day of practice at the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix was filled with mixed fortunes as teams grappled with the unique challenges of the high-altitude Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. Ferrari seemed to have the upper hand, with Charles Leclerc topping both practice sessions despite a few hiccups on track. Lewis Hamilton faced a tougher day, ending FP2 early due to a power unit issue, though he remained optimistic about the car's potential.
**Ferrari**
Ferrari was the only team to field both regular drivers in FP1, with Leclerc setting the fastest time and Hamilton finishing fourth. Leclerc continued his form into FP2, again leading the pack. However, Hamilton's session was cut short by mechanical issues. Leclerc noted the slippery surface but was positive about their performance, while Hamilton was ready to tackle the issues overnight.
**McLaren**
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri both showed promise, with Norris finishing second in FP2. Norris found the car challenging but saw potential for improvement. Piastri was encouraged by the car's pace, despite struggling with grip at times. Leonardo Fornaroli also took to the track in FP1, gaining valuable experience.
**Mercedes**
Mercedes had a solid start with Kimi Antonelli and Frederik Vesti performing well in FP1. George Russell joined in FP2, securing third place. Antonelli felt the team's adjustments between sessions improved the car's balance, while Russell highlighted the circuit's unique challenges.
**Red Bull**
Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar experienced a tricky day, with Verstappen's car suffering damage after an incident with Lawson. Despite this, both drivers remained competitive, with Hadjar particularly pleased with the car's setup improvements.
**Racing Bulls**
Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson had a competitive day, finishing in the top ten in FP2, though Lawson's session was marred by a clash with Verstappen. Nikola Tsolov made his FP1 debut, impressing with his pace and adaptability.
**Alpine**
Pierre Gasly had a strong showing, finishing both sessions in the top ten. Franco Colapinto, after missing FP1, struggled to find his rhythm but was optimistic about improving. Gabriele Mini enjoyed his FP1 debut, focusing on aero testing and data collection.
**Haas**
Haas faced technical issues with Oliver Bearman's car, though he remained positive about their pace. Esteban Ocon returned in FP2 but faced setup challenges. Ryo Hirakawa was pleased with his FP1 performance, providing valuable feedback.
**Aston Martin**
Fernando Alonso delivered consistent performances, while Jak Crawford's FP1 was cut short by an ERS issue. Lance Stroll struggled with car setup, leaving work to be done overnight.
**Audi**
Audi's day was marred by technical mishaps, including a cooling fan incident with Freddie Slater's car. Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto faced limited track time but hoped for better fortunes in FP3.
**Williams**
Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon had a steady day but remained on the fringes of the midfield. Luke Browning completed his FP1 program successfully, focusing on data gathering.
**Cadillac**
Sergio Perez received a warm welcome in Mexico, but health issues hampered his performance. Valtteri Bottas worked to find pace, while Colton Herta enjoyed his FP1 session despite challenging conditions.
**Pirelli**
Simone Berra noted better-than-expected track conditions, with tire performance varying across compounds. Teams faced the usual high-altitude challenges, but Pirelli was optimistic about strategic possibilities for the race.