Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen returned to the top in the second practice session for the 2025 FIA Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix, setting the pace ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli. McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri followed in fourth and twelfth as teams fine-tuned qualifying setups at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
Verstappen Finds His Rhythm After FP1 Absence
After sitting out the opening session for rookie Arvid Lindblad, Verstappen quickly got up to speed in FP2. The reigning champion set a benchmark of 1:17.392 on Soft tyres, 0.153 seconds clear of Leclerc. Mercedes’ rising star Antonelli impressed once again, securing third with a composed 1:17.566.
The top five was rounded out by Norris in fourth and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton in fifth, both separated by less than three-tenths from the leader. Mercedes’ George Russell, Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda, and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso also featured inside the top ten.
Early Drama for Antonelli and Tight Midfield Gaps
The session began with Antonelli facing a brief technical issue, forcing him back to the garage. Once resolved, the young Italian quickly set competitive times, continuing his consistent performance across both sessions.
Meanwhile, Leclerc initially led with a 1:18.353 before switching to Softs and posting a 1:17.545. Norris came close but lost time in Sector 2, while Verstappen’s precision through the stadium section gave him the edge.
Ferrari and Mercedes Keep Up the Pressure
Hamilton’s Ferrari looked stable on Soft tyres, finishing fifth, just behind Antonelli. Russell trailed his teammate by a tenth, while both Mercedes cars displayed balanced pace over long runs.
The team also gathered valuable tyre wear data on the Medium compound, with Antonelli again matching the leaders during extended stints. Ferrari appeared equally competitive, with Leclerc maintaining strong corner exit speed through the technical middle sector.
Power and Performance Highlights
Verstappen’s RB21 showed dominant single-lap speed, aided by Red Bull’s superior traction out of slower corners. Ferrari’s SF-25 demonstrated excellent straight-line performance, while Mercedes’ W16 shone through consistent balance.
The 1:17.392 benchmark reflected a potential qualifying target, with Soft tyre degradation expected to influence Saturday’s strategy choices.
Full FP2 Results – 2025 FIA Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix
| Pos | Driver | Car |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull |
| 2 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari |
| 3 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes |
| 4 | Lando Norris | McLaren |
| 5 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari |
| 6 | George Russell | Mercedes |
| 7 | Yuki Tsunoda | Red Bull |
| 8 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin |
| 9 | Carlos Sainz | Williams |
| 10 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin |
| 11 | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls |
| 12 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren |
| 13 | Esteban Ocon | Haas |
| 14 | Isack Hadjar | Racing Bulls |
| 15 | Gabriel Bortoleto | Sauber |
| 16 | Nico Hülkenberg | Sauber |
| 17 | Oliver Bearman | Haas |
| 18 | Franco Colapinto | Alpine |
| 19 | Alexander Albon | Williams |
| 20 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine |
Session Summary
Verstappen’s return to the cockpit reaffirmed Red Bull’s pace in high-altitude conditions, while Ferrari and Mercedes remained close contenders. The narrow gaps between the top six suggest a highly competitive qualifying ahead.
With tyre degradation set to play a major role on Sunday, strategy variation could prove decisive. FP3 will offer the final opportunity for teams to refine balance and simulate race runs before the fight for pole begins.
Source: FIA