F1 Mexico GP Live Commentary and Updates - FP1
Minute-by-minute updates for FP1 for the 2024 Formula 1 Mexico Grand Prix
The Mexico Grand Prix hosts the second part of the Americas Formula 1 triple-header as the championship begins the run-up to its climax.
Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz earned Ferrari a 1-2 at the Circuit of the Americas last weekend but much of the focus was on the controversy behind as Max Verstappen inherited third from title rival Lando Norris - the McLaren driver penalised for overtaking off-track.
Will that spill into the new weekend? First practice at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez gets under way at 7:30pm BST.
Live Standings
Live Text
The stadium section of the Mexico track has been given a roof to shelter the fans. It'll be useful for the sunshine, but it won't be needed for any of the wet stuff given there is a 0% chance of rain.
This race is all about getting cooling right, which is why it’s interesting to see all three Ferrari-powered teams running new cooling slot openings on top of their sidepods this year. The Mercedes, Honda and Renault-powered squads don’t have this, although McLaren’s engine cover opening curves down has a grill towards the top of the sidepod. The teams will start with max cooling then try and blank off as much as they can for the race.
In total we have five rookies in action in FP1; O'Ward at McLaren for Norris, Antonelli at Mercedes for Hamilton, Drugovich at Aston Martin for Alonso, Bearman at Ferrari for Leclerc and Shwartzman at Sauber for Zhou.
All eyes will also be on McLaren as it debuts its car floor upgrade today. The team is only running it on Norris's car - but he's not in action for FP1 as Pato O'Ward is in his car as part of the rookie driver requirement. So no pressure, Pato.
Another major plot point to watch today is McLaren's request for right of review on the penalty handed to Norris in his US GP battle with Verstappen. The hearing will take place between the two practice sessions with an outcome expected soon after. Here's a look at what is at stake.
Lando Norris, McLaren MCL38, battles with Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB20
Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images
We've got a slightly different day coming up from the normal Friday schedule. No, it is not another sprint race weekend, but rather second practice is a 2025 Pirelli tyre test. Oh yes! So FP2 is an extended 90-minute saga with devoted running for tyres that will be seen next year. The first session which starts in 15 minutes is a far more familiar affair - 60 minutes, pick whatever tyres you like for however long you like.
Hello one and all! Here we go again - first practice for the Mexico GP is coming right up.
The Aston Martin Vantage Safety Car on track
Photo by: Dom Romney / Motorsport Images
By: Haydn Cobb
