Mexico City: The 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix weekend started with intense competition as Charles Leclerc claimed the fastest lap in Free Practice 1 (FP1) with a time of 1m 18.380s, showcasing Ferrari’s pace on the demanding Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit. Leclerc edged out Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli and Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg in a session notable for nine rookies taking crucial track time under FIA regulations. Red Bull’s Oscar Piastri finished fourth, gaining valuable experience on this high-altitude track while Max Verstappen sat out FP1 to fulfil rookie driver requirements.

FP1 saw drivers adapting to the dusty track and poor grip conditions, with lap times steadily improving as teams switched to soft tyres. Kimi Antonelli put in a strong performance, setting a 1m 18.487s, narrowly behind Leclerc’s benchmark.

In Free Practice 2 (FP2), Max Verstappen returned and topped the timing sheets with a blazing lap of 1m 17.392s, over one and a half tenths faster than Leclerc, who once again proved Ferrari’s strength by finishing second. Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli showed consistency, ranking third. McLaren’s Lando Norris claimed fourth place despite his car’s misfires, highlighting the competitive midfield battle. Championship leader Oscar Piastri was somewhat off pace in 12th.

Red Bull’s new floor and cooling package debuted in Mexico, designed to optimise performance amid challenging altitude and track conditions. Verstappen praised their short-run pace but flagged long-run performance concerns, setting the tone for their race weekend strategy.

Noteworthy rookies, including Arvid Lindblad (stepping in for Verstappen in FP1) and Paul Aron (Alpine), impressed as they showcased their potential on the world stage, vying for future seats in the championship.

With all teams and drivers refining setups ahead of Saturday’s qualifying, the intensity is building among title contenders and midfield challengers alike. The tandem pace of Verstappen and Leclerc indicates a gripping duel for supremacy at one of Formula 1’s most electrifying venues.