Lando Norris claimed the top spot in the final practice session for the 2025 F1 Mexico City Grand Prix, delivering a strong performance ahead of qualifying. His benchmark lap provided a clear message as the championship heads into its critical stages.
Conditions and Early Runs
High altitude at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez meant thin air and low grip made FP3 a challenging session. Several drivers struggled to get the medium tyres to work properly as the track evolved under clear skies.
McLaren Steps Up
Norris posted a best lap of 1:16.633 to take P1, with Lewis Hamilton in the Ferrari 0.345 seconds behind and George Russell third for Mercedes. The McLaren driver’s pace stood out, especially given how others reported balance issues.
Struggles at the Top
Championship leader Oscar Piastri ended fifth, already looking behind his team-mate in the session pace. Max Verstappen, recovering from earlier practice issues, finished sixth and admitted to lacking front and rear grip.
Full FP3 Results – 2025 F1 Mexico City Grand Prix
| Pos | Driver | Car |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lando Norris | McLaren |
| 2 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari |
| 3 | George Russell | Mercedes |
| 4 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari |
| 5 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren |
| 6 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull |
| 7 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes |
| 8 | Isack Hadjar | Racing Bulls |
| 9 | Yuki Tsunoda | Red Bull |
| 10 | Gabriel Bortoleto | Sauber |
| 11 | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls |
| 12 | Esteban Ocon | Haas |
| 13 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin |
| 14 | Nico Hülkenberg | Sauber |
| 15 | Carlos Sainz | Williams |
| 16 | Alexander Albon | Williams |
| 17 | Oliver Bearman | Haas |
| 18 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine |
| 19 | Franco Colapinto | Alpine |
| 20 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin |
Takeaways Ahead of Qualifying
The session underscored McLaren’s pace potential in Mexico. Norris’s strong lap hints at a possible threat for pole position. However, the altitude and tyre behaviour continue to add layers of complexity for all teams.
Grip and Strategy Questions
Several drivers noted difficulty unlocking tyre performance on the mediums, reinforcing the importance of tyre timing and simulation work. Red Bull’s balance issues and Ferrari’s consistency could prove decisive in the main qualifying battle.
Summary
Norris set the tone in FP3 at the 2025 F1 Mexico City Grand Prix, with Hamilton and Russell close behind. The session highlighted McLaren’s unexpected edge, while others still wrestled with grip and balance on the tricky high-altitude surface. Teams now head into qualifying with much to consider.
Source: FIA