F1 Mexican Grand Prix LIVE: Practice updates and FP2 results in Mexico City

F1 Mexican Grand Prix LIVE: Practice updates and FP2 results in Mexico City

Sergio Perez will be eyeing a dream victory on home soil at the Mexico City Grand Prix this weekend.

The Red Bull driver has endured a difficult few months and has not won since Azerbaijan in April. His team-mate Max Verstappen, however, has won 15 races this season and has already sealed his third world title.

Verstappen was triumphant last week at the US Grand Prix in Austin where Lewis Hamilton - who finished second - was disqualified alongside Charles Leclerc for an illegal floor.

Lando Norris came home third, but was promoted to second after Hamilton’s DSQ, for his 12th podium in F1 but the McLaren driver is still chasing his first win. Verstappen won last year’s race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Follow updates from the Mexican Grand Prix with The Independent

F1 MEXICAN GRAND PRIX - PRACTICE

Max Verstappen quickest in FP2!

00:02 , Kieran Jackson

Some unusual rain on Mexico City GP weekend but nothing unusual about whose top of the timesheet - Max Verstappen quickest with a 1:18:686.

Lando Norris is second for McLaren, 0.119 secs back, with Charles Leclerc third. Home favourite Sergio Perez is fifth.

4-10: Bottas, Perez, Ricciardo, Hamilton, Ocon, Piastri, Russell

Bad, disrupted session for Aston Martin, with Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso 18th and 20th respectively!

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Max Verstappen goes fastest

23:40 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen up top with a 1:18:686 on his quickest soft tyre run.

Lando Norris - 0.119 secs down - in second, with Charles Leclerc third, two-tenths behind Verstappen. That McLaren there or thereabouts once again!

4-10: Bottas, Perez, Ricciardo, Hamilton, Ocon, Piastri, Russell

Closing 20 minutes of Friday practice now...

Fernando Alonso has a spin!

23:27 , Kieran Jackson

The two-time world champion goes for a bit of a spin in sector two but manages to keep his Aston Martin out of the wall!

Oscar Piastri now top of the leaderboard, as the times start to tumble with the pack switching to soft tyres.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

It’s raining in Mexico City!

23:10 , Kieran Jackson

Who saw this coming?! It’s 39C but it has started spitting in Mexico City!

Very light so far, but Max Verstappen confirms it on team radio.

Nevertheless, the Dutchman is top of the timesheets with a 1:20:085 in the first 10 minutes, with Lando Norris 0.024 secs off in second. Alex Albon is third, 0.273 secs off P1.

4-10: Leclerc, Ricciardo, Sainz, Zhou, Perez, Sargeant, Piastri

FP2 underway in Mexico City!

23:00 , Kieran Jackson

Time for second practice to get underway in Mexico City!

It’s also the first running of the day for George Russell, Pierre Gasly, Kevin Magnussen, Yuki Tsunoda and Valtteri Bottas after they were absent from FP1 due to their cars being taken by rookies.

Can anyone topple Max Verstappen? Alex Albon’s Williams was the closest man earlier!

There is also a threat of rain in this session...

F1 icon Willy T Ribbs: ‘There were death threats – but I was never going to play the victim’

22:44 , Kieran Jackson

Exclusive interview by Kieran Jackson

As often was the case amid an American society embedded in racism in the 1980s, Muhammad Ali put it best. Advising black racing driver Willy T Ribbs, the people’s champion made his point in no uncertain terms: “There are Blacks in my sport. But there are no Blacks in your sport. They’re going to want to kill you.”

Yet for all the death threats, discrimination and abuse, Ribbs had long decided that the only option was to meet the uphill battle head-on. He made history in 1986 when he became the first Black driver to test an F1 car. Five years later, he was the first to race in the Indy 500, one of the world’s most famous events.

But on the course of that journey, Ribbs faced it all. Don’t let me tell you though; let the man himself.

Full interview below:

Willy T Ribbs: ‘There were death threats – but I was never going to play the victim’

Constructors’ Championship ahead of the Mexican GP

22:30 , Kieran Jackson

1) Red Bull - 706 points (champions)

2) Mercedes - 344 points

3) Ferrari - 322 points

4) McLaren - 242 points

5) Aston Martin - 236 points

6) Alpine - 100 points

7) Williams - 26 points

8) Alfa Romeo - 16 points

9) Haas - 12 points

10) AlphaTauri - 10 points

Max Verstappen urges fans to show him respect ahead of feisty Mexican Grand Prix

22:16 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen has told the boo brigade to show him some respect as the triple world champion prepares to enter the lion’s den at Sunday’s Mexican Grand Prix.

Verstappen has beefed up his security for Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez’s home race at the high-altitude Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez venue in Mexico City.

Verstappen, who was jeered by Perez’s supporters a week ago in Austin, Texas, is prepared for another hostile reception this weekend – and he will be flanked by multiple security guards in the paddock.

Max Verstappen urges fans to show him respect ahead of feisty Mexican Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton claims many more cars were illegal at United States Grand Prix

21:57 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton has claimed there were multiple drivers who should have been disqualified from last weekend’s United States Grand Prix for running an illegal car.

Hamilton was stripped of his second place after the floor on his upgraded Mercedes failed a post-race scrutineering check.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who finished sixth, was also kicked out of the classification for an identical breach.

But Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who claimed his 15th win of the season, and the McLaren of Lando Norris, elevated to second following Hamilton’s penalty, were both cleared of any wrongdoing.

However, speaking ahead of this weekend’s race in Mexico City, Hamilton said: “I heard from several sources that there were a lot of other cars that were illegal and they were not tested so they got away with it.”

Full quotes below:

Lewis Hamilton claims many more cars were illegal at United States Grand Prix

Driver Standings ahead of the Mexican GP

21:45 , Kieran Jackson

1) Max Verstappen - 466 points (champion)

2) Sergio Perez - 240 points

3) Lewis Hamilton - 201 points

4) Fernando Alonso - 183 points

5) Carlos Sainz - 171 points

6) Lando Norris - 159 points

7) Charles Leclerc - 151 points

8) George Russell - 143 points

9) Oscar Piastri - 83 points

10) Pierre Gasly - 56 points

11) Lance Stroll - 53 points

12) Esteban Ocon - 44 points

13) Alex Albon - 25 points

14) Valtteri Bottas - 10 points

15) Nico Hulkenberg - 9 points

16) Yuki Tsunoda - 8 points

17) Zhou Guanyu - 6 points

18) Kevin Magnussen - 3 points

19) Liam Lawson - 2 points

20) Logan Sargeant - 1 point

21) Nyck de Vries - 0 points

22) Daniel Ricciardo - 0 points

British teen makes F1 history as Max Verstappen goes fastest in Mexico practice

21:27 , Kieran Jackson

FP1 REPORT:

Max Verstappen set the fastest time in practice for the Mexican Grand Prix as teenager Oliver Bearman made history by becoming the youngest British driver to take part in a Formula 1 weekend.

Verstappen denied Williams’ Alex Albon top spot by just 0.095 seconds at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City as home favourite Sergio Perez finished third, three tenths back.

Lando Norris was fourth for McLaren – half a second behind Verstappen – with Lewis Hamilton only 11th, one second off the pace in his Mercedes.

Full report below:

British teen makes F1 history as Max Verstappen goes fastest in Mexico practice

F1 icon Willy T Ribbs: ‘There were death threats – but I was never going to play the victim’

21:15 , Kieran Jackson

Exclusive interview by Kieran Jackson

As often was the case amid an American society embedded in racism in the 1980s, Muhammad Ali put it best. Advising black racing driver Willy T Ribbs, the people’s champion made his point in no uncertain terms: “There are Blacks in my sport. But there are no Blacks in your sport. They’re going to want to kill you.”

Yet for all the death threats, discrimination and abuse, Ribbs had long decided that the only option was to meet the uphill battle head-on. He made history in 1986 when he became the first Black driver to test an F1 car. Five years later, he was the first to race in the Indy 500, one of the world’s most famous events.

But on the course of that journey, Ribbs faced it all. Don’t let me tell you though; let the man himself.

Full interview below:

Willy T Ribbs: ‘There were death threats – but I was never going to play the victim’

What is the weekend schedule?

21:03 , Kieran Jackson

(All times BST/GMT)

Friday 27 October

  • Free practice 2: 11pm

Saturday 28 October

  • Free practice 3: 6:30pm

  • Qualifying: 10pm

Sunday 29 October

  • Race: 8pm

FP1 RESULTS IN FULL

20:53 , Kieran Jackson

BREAKING: Yuki Tsunoda handed grid penalty for Sunday’s race

20:45 , Kieran Jackson

The AlphaTauri man handed a grid drop for Sunday’s race because AlphaTauri have changed his power unit.

Back of the grid on Sunday for the Japanese driver.

AlphaTauri rookie Isack Hadjur:

20:38 , Kieran Jackson

“Best day of my life mate, that was incredible!”

Heartwarming stuff!

Max Verstappen quickest in first practice!

20:33 , Kieran Jackson

No surprise up top in FP1 - Max Verstappen fastest with a 1:19:718. Interestingly, he’s done that without secting a quickest sector.

Alex Albon second for Williams - an impressive showing - 0.095 secs back, with Sergio Perez third in front of his home fans.

4-10: Norris, Leclerc, Piastri, Sainz, Ricciardo, Ocon, Stroll

Lewis Hamilton only P11. The best performer out of all the rookies was British teenager Oliver Bearman in P15, ahead of Fernando Alonso too!

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Sergio Perez goes P3

20:26 , Kieran Jackson

Last few runs now, with Sergio Perez up to third - 0.297 secs off Max Verstappen’s leading time of 1:19:718.

Alex Albon still second, with Lando Norris now up to fourth.

Meanwhile, it’s looking to be a nightmare hour for Theo Pouchaire - he’s still in the garage and doesn’t look likely to set a lap.

Max Verstappen quickest halfway through

20:03 , Kieran Jackson

Alex Albon, to be fair, is stil high up the order in P2 - and is only 0.004secs behind Max Verstappen, who leds the way.

Charles Leclerc is third, with Sergio Perez in fourth - four-tenths behind Verstappen.

5-10: Ricciardo, Piastri, Sargeant, Ocon,Zhou, Norris

Oliver Bearman the best of the rookie drivers, in 13th.

Lewis Hamilton is 12th and Fernando Alonso is yet to set a time, with his Aston Martin under scrutiny from his mechanics. A slow start to the weekend for many...

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Tough session so far for Theo Pouchaire

19:55 , Kieran Jackson

His Alfa Romeo is running into problems and the Frenchman - who is the current leader in F2 - is yet to set a timed lap in the opening 35 minutes or so...

Carlos Sainz has an issue

19:44 , Kieran Jackson

Hydraulics problem for Carlos Sainz already!

He manages to steer his car back to the pits, in fourth gear, but not ideal for Ferrari from the off!

Alex Albon quickest early on...

19:42 , Kieran Jackson

Early issues for Isack Hadjur in the AlphaTauri - he’s gone into anti-stall and has come into the pits.

Oliver Bearman looking strong, with the teenage Brit taking part in his first F1 session today!

First 10 minutes and it’s Alex Albon fastest, two-tenths quicker than Max Verstappen.

A few drivers complaining of something metal on the start-finish straight too...

FP1 rookie drivers in this session:

19:33 , Kieran Jackson

Frederik Vesti (replacing George Russell) - Mercedes

Jack Doohan (replacing Pierre Gasly) - Alpine

Theo Pourchaire (replacing Valtteri Bottas) - Alfa Romeo

Oliver Bearman (replacing Kevin Magnussen) - Haas

Isack Hadjar (replacing Yuki Tsunoda) - AlphaTauri

FP1 at the Mexican Grand Prix!

19:30 , Kieran Jackson

So we’re underway with first practice at the Mexican Grand Prix!

The first of three hours of practice for the drivers to get up to speed with this 4.304km circuit, with 17 turns.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

F1 practice at the Mexican Grand Prix!

19:27 , Kieran Jackson

We’re just minutes away from action on track at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez!

Who can set the early benchmark this weekend in Mexico City?

There’s also a host of rookie drivers taking part in this FP1 session - full list to come!

F1 icon Willy T Ribbs: ‘There were death threats – but I was never going to play the victim’

19:22 , Kieran Jackson

Exclusive interview by Kieran Jackson

As often was the case amid an American society embedded in racism in the 1980s, Muhammad Ali put it best. Advising black racing driver Willy T Ribbs, the people’s champion made his point in no uncertain terms: “There are Blacks in my sport. But there are no Blacks in your sport. They’re going to want to kill you.”

Yet for all the death threats, discrimination and abuse, Ribbs had long decided that the only option was to meet the uphill battle head-on. He made history in 1986 when he became the first Black driver to test an F1 car. Five years later, he was the first to race in the Indy 500, one of the world’s most famous events.

But on the course of that journey, Ribbs faced it all. Don’t let me tell you though; let the man himself.

Full interview below:

Willy T Ribbs: ‘There were death threats – but I was never going to play the victim’

Constructors’ Championship ahead of the Mexican GP

19:13 , Kieran Jackson

1) Red Bull - 706 points (champions)

2) Mercedes - 344 points

3) Ferrari - 322 points

4) McLaren - 242 points

5) Aston Martin - 236 points

6) Alpine - 100 points

7) Williams - 26 points

8) Alfa Romeo - 16 points

9) Haas - 12 points

10) AlphaTauri - 10 points

Seems Lando is in agreement with Lewis that more cars should have been checked!

19:07 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton claims many more cars were illegal at United States Grand Prix

18:59 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton has claimed there were multiple drivers who should have been disqualified from last weekend’s United States Grand Prix for running an illegal car.

Hamilton was stripped of his second place after the floor on his upgraded Mercedes failed a post-race scrutineering check.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who finished sixth, was also kicked out of the classification for an identical breach.

But Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who claimed his 15th win of the season, and the McLaren of Lando Norris, elevated to second following Hamilton’s penalty, were both cleared of any wrongdoing.

However, speaking ahead of this weekend’s race in Mexico City, Hamilton said: “I heard from several sources that there were a lot of other cars that were illegal and they were not tested so they got away with it.”

Full quotes below:

Lewis Hamilton claims many more cars were illegal at United States Grand Prix

Driver Standings ahead of the Mexican GP

18:44 , Kieran Jackson

1) Max Verstappen - 466 points (champion)

2) Sergio Perez - 240 points

3) Lewis Hamilton - 201 points

4) Fernando Alonso - 183 points

5) Carlos Sainz - 171 points

6) Lando Norris - 159 points

7) Charles Leclerc - 151 points

8) George Russell - 143 points

9) Oscar Piastri - 83 points

10) Pierre Gasly - 56 points

11) Lance Stroll - 53 points

12) Esteban Ocon - 44 points

13) Alex Albon - 25 points

14) Valtteri Bottas - 10 points

15) Nico Hulkenberg - 9 points

16) Yuki Tsunoda - 8 points

17) Zhou Guanyu - 6 points

18) Kevin Magnussen - 3 points

19) Liam Lawson - 2 points

20) Logan Sargeant - 1 point

21) Nyck de Vries - 0 points

22) Daniel Ricciardo - 0 points

Max Verstappen urges fans to show him respect ahead of feisty Mexican Grand Prix

18:39 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen has told the boo brigade to show him some respect as the triple world champion prepares to enter the lion’s den at Sunday’s Mexican Grand Prix.

Verstappen has beefed up his security for Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez’s home race at the high-altitude Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez venue in Mexico City.

Verstappen, who was jeered by Perez’s supporters a week ago in Austin, Texas, is prepared for another hostile reception this weekend – and he will be flanked by multiple security guards in the paddock.

Max Verstappen urges fans to show him respect ahead of feisty Mexican Grand Prix

What is the weekend schedule?

18:36 , Kieran Jackson

(All times BST/GMT)

Friday 27 October

  • Free practice 1: 7:30pm

  • Free practice 2: 11pm

Saturday 28 October

  • Free practice 3: 6:30pm

  • Qualifying: 10pm

Sunday 29 October

  • Race: 8pm

F1 Mexican Grand Prix - practice!

18:35 , Kieran Jackson

Sergio Perez will be eyeing a dream victory on home soil at the Mexico City Grand Prix this weekend.

The Red Bull driver has endured a difficult few months and has not won since Azerbaijan in April. His team-mate Max Verstappen, however, has won 15 races this season and has already sealed his third world title.

Verstappen was triumphant last week at the US Grand Prix in Austin where Lewis Hamilton - who finished second - was disqualified alongside Charles Leclerc for an illegal floor.

Lando Norris came home third, but was promoted to second after Hamilton’s DSQ, for his 12th podium in F1 but the McLaren driver is still chasing his first win. Verstappen won last year’s race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

First practice is at 7:30pm (BST); FP2 is at 11pm

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

F1 icon Willy T Ribbs: ‘There were death threats – but I was never going to play the victim’

18:48 , Kieran Jackson

Exclusive interview by Kieran Jackson

As often was the case amid an American society embedded in racism in the 1980s, Muhammad Ali put it best. Advising black racing driver Willy T Ribbs, the people’s champion made his point in no uncertain terms: “There are Blacks in my sport. But there are no Blacks in your sport. They’re going to want to kill you.”

Yet for all the death threats, discrimination and abuse, Ribbs had long decided that the only option was to meet the uphill battle head-on. He made history in 1986 when he became the first Black driver to test an F1 car. Five years later, he was the first to race in the Indy 500, one of the world’s most famous events.

But on the course of that journey, Ribbs faced it all. Don’t let me tell you though; let the man himself.

Full interview below:

Willy T Ribbs: ‘There were death threats – but I was never going to play the victim’