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Hamilton storms to pole position in Mexico City─── MORGAN PIEK 07:57 Sun, 01 Nov 2026
Lewis Hamilton rolled back the years with a sensational qualifying performance to secure his first pole position for Ferrari ahead of Sunday’s Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix.
The seven-time World Champion delivered a blistering final lap of 1:16.514 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez on Saturday, edging Mercedes’ George Russell by just 0.009 seconds in a thrilling shootout for the top spot.
It was a significant moment for Hamilton, who had waited since 2023 for another Grand Prix pole position. The 41-year-old also became the oldest driver to claim pole in Formula 1 since Mario Andretti achieved the feat in 1982.
George Russell. Photo: F1
Russell looked to have done enough to secure the coveted position after clocking a 1:16.523, but Hamilton had one final answer up his sleeve, delivering when it mattered most to put the Ferrari on top.
Hamilton’s teammate Charles Leclerc completed the top three in another strong showing for Ferrari, finishing just 0.119 seconds behind the Briton.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen had to settle for fourth, although the Dutchman will move up a position on the starting grid following his one-place penalty. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli qualified fifth for Mercedes, with McLaren’s Lando Norris sixth.
Antonelli will nevertheless have plenty to think about heading into Sunday’s race. The young Italian is on the brink of a maiden Drivers’ Championship and can secure the title with a ninth-place finish, provided Russell wins, or tenth if Hamilton takes victory.
There was disappointment for McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, who failed to progress beyond Q2 and will start 13th. The Australian struggled to find the necessary rear grip when it mattered most.
Fernando Alonso also endured a frustrating afternoon, with a suspected water-pressure problem linked to the energy recovery system forcing him out of qualifying during Q1.
Charles Leclerc. Photo: F1
Meanwhile, Liam Lawson initially qualified eighth for Racing Bulls but was subsequently disqualified after his car was found to have breached technical regulations. He will start from the back of the grid.
All eyes now turn to Sunday's 71-lap race, where Hamilton will be determined to convert his landmark pole position into a memorable Ferrari victory, while Antonelli faces a potentially career-defining race in Mexico City.
Sunday’s race is set to get underway at 22:00.
