Max third in Mexico FP1

Published on 25 October 2019 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen started his Mexican Grand Prix weekend with a third place in the opening practice session. Quickest around the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico-City was Lewis Hamilton in his Mercedes. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was second.

At the start of the session it is relatively cold with some damp patches on circuit. Hence why, apart from installation laps on inters, most drivers stay in the garage, awaiting better track conditions.

After half an hour the first timed laps appear on the leader boards. Lewis Hamilton is the first of the front runners to set a competitive time, soon followed by Max. The two keep exchanges fastest laps, with the reigning World Champion leading the way.

With 30 minutes on the clock, most drivers head out, but not for long. Lance Stroll loses control of his Racing Point on the exit of turn 16 and smashes into the tyre wall, followed by a red flag.

After the session is resumed, it is Kimi Raikkonen who tops the timing sheets. The Alfa Romeo driver cannot enjoy the top spot for long; Hamilton, Max and Leclerc put in their fastest laps of the session to form the top three with twenty minutes to go.

In closing stages, most drivers keep clocking laps but at the front the order stays the same meaning Hamilton sets the pace ahead of Leclerc and Max.

Mexican GP contest: win an orange Max Verstappen t-shirt and driver cap!

Results first free practice Mexico: