By: Ferrari finally delivered a performance of note in Mexico. A thrilling qualifying session culminated in Lewis Hamilton taking pole position, with Charles Leclerc third. Just 119 thousandths separated the two team-mates. George Russell slotted into that slender gap, and he will be expected to produce a high-level race tomorrow as he looks to rebuild his self-confidence, on the very day that his team-mate will probably win his first world title (Antonelli needs only two points to do so).
Ferrari take pole at the worst possible circuit
Unfortunately, although the SF-26 proved capable of beating Mercedes in qualifying, there is more than one reason to fear that something could go wrong during the race. First of all, of all the circuits, the one named in memory of the Hermanos Rodriguez is the worst at which to start from pole. Even though the air is thin, the slipstream effect is still felt, especially considering that around 830 metres separate Hamilton's pole-position grid slot from the first braking zone.
And that is not all. Ferrari are struggling greatly to manage the tyres. Lewis probably managed to take pole partly because, unlike Leclerc, he was fitted with a new power unit (which did not incur a penalty), which certainly helped him in the task, but that may not be enough in the race.
Tyres will certainly be one of the key themes of the Mexican GP
Leclerc stated very openly that he had not fully understood how to bring the tyres into their correct operating window, and this will be the focal point on which both Hamilton and Charles will concentrate during the race. The total distance is 71 laps, but if the situation remains as it was in FP2, tyre degradation will severely test the drivers' stints (read here).
Leclerc sampled race pace on the Mediums. The lap times were competitive, certainly, but short-lived. From what was seen on Friday, Charles would have had to replace the C4s after just ten laps. That is far too short a distance in a 71-lap race. Moreover, there can be little hope of good behaviour from the car on the Hard C3, a compound Ferrari are trying to avoid at almost every GP. This time in Mexico, the Prancing Horse outfit will probably have to use it and place all its hopes in it.
The race could still end in the best possible way and, should that happen, it would mark a major and significant step forward for the Maranello team. At present, however, there are more doubts than certainties surrounding the SF-26's potential. The progress is there, but it may still be too soon to say the worst is over. Disappointment is just around the corner.
Cover and internal photos by Finlay Williams / WHYOUT Images
All the news, photos, weather, session times and times from the Mexican GP 2026
