flag
back Back
Hamilton takes first pole for Ferrari at Mexico City Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton
Image caption, Lewis Hamilton is one of two drivers who could prevent Kimi Antonelli winning the world championship in Mexico

Lewis Hamilton has claimed his first pole position for Ferrari and his first for more than three years at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

The seven-time champion beat Mercedes' George Russell by 0.009 seconds as the two drivers who can potentially stop Kimi Antonelli clinching the world title on Sunday locked out the front row.

Antonelli qualified fifth behind Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Red Bull's Max Verstappen, but will start fourth because of a one-place penalty for the Dutchman.

The only way Antonelli can be prevented from winning the title is if Russell wins and the Italian finishes lower than ninth, or if Hamilton does and he is out of the points.

Hamilton's pole is his first since the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix, three years and three months ago.

He and Russell both went out early for their first runs and had to watch as their rivals sought and failed to beat them.

Leclerc went first, falling short of Hamilton by 0.119secs. Antonelli was never on target but Verstappen was fastest of all after two sectors and on course to take pole.

But the Dutchman locked up into the hairpin in the stadium section and ruined his lap.

More to follow.

  • A fan holds up a Mexico flag at the Mexico City Grand Prix

You may like

Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton grabs pole position for Mexican Grand Prix

straitstimes.com 50 minutes ago

Norris fastest in Mexico City practice ahead of Antonelli

straitstimes.com 4 hours ago

Hamilton puts Ferrari on pole in Mexico City, Antonelli to start fourth

straitstimes.com 50 minutes ago

Leclerc fastest in Mexico practice, Antonelli returns from sickness

straitstimes.com 1 day ago

'Close to perfection,' 'A very big heart' - what F1 rivals think of boy-king Kimi Antonelli

espn.com 4 hours ago

Intrigue at Haas F1 as Esteban Ocon sidelined for Mexico City GP

sbnation.com 8 hours ago

Charles Leclerc dominates second practice from Lando Norris at Mexico City Grand Prix

espn.com 1 day ago

Fiesta awaits in Mexico City as Kimi Antonelli speeds towards F1 history

theguardian.com 1 day ago

Verstappen and Lawson get grid drops after Mexico practice clash

straitstimes.com 18 hours ago

Lando Norris offers advice to drivers unhappy with cars: ‘Do a better job’

aol.com 14 hours ago