Late surge gives Verstappen the pole.
MEXICO CITY, Mexico—Just when it looked like Mercedes would claim the front row for Sunday’s Mexican Grand Prix at the Circuit Hermanos Rodriguez, Max Verstappen worked late magic to record a 1:17:775 quickest lap and take his first pole position at this classic track. Lewis Hamilton looked strong in the opening two sessions, but in the final session and with only a few minutes left, Verstappen managed to get his rhythm and overtook both Mercedes as they could not match the Dutchman’s time.
For their efforts, George Russell and Hamilton finished second and third, respectively, and each has an opportunity on Sunday to win their first race of the season.
“It was a good qualifying,” commented a relieved Verstappen. “It was a close one, but we made a few adjustments on the car and got into a better rhythm, and to be on pole here is, of course, amazing.”
For the rest of the top finishers, Red Bulls Sergio Perez took fourth with his home fans behind him, while the two Ferraris of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc finished fifth and seventh. Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas took sixth, McLaren’s Lando Norris eighth, and the Alpine duo of Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon rounded up the last top ten positions.
Several cars exited the opening session, including the Aston Martin duo of Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll, along with the Williams pair of Alex Albon and Nicholas Latifi, and Haas F1’s Mick Schumacher. Suffering the same fate in the second session were Alpha Tauri’s Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly, Alfa Romeo’s Zhou Guanyu, McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo, and the second Haas F1 of Kevin Magnussen.
Now, all eyes will be on Verstappen as he attempts to break Formula One’s record for most victories in a season.
Max Verstappen: It’s a very long run to Turn One, so we do need a good start. But I think we have a quick car, which is most important. I think it will be close in the race.
ESPN will televise the Mexican Grand Prix beginning at 4p Eastern time.
