Lewis Hamilton takes pole position in Mexico City Grand Prix qualifying result, his first for Ferrari

Hamilton secures Ferrari pole

Hamilton set the pace in qualifying, earning his first pole for Ferrari and his first since the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix, three years and three months earlier. It was the 105th pole position of his career.

He was fourth after the first runs, more than 0.4 seconds behind Charles Leclerc. On his final attempt, Hamilton said he did not think he had lost time and described it as a very good lap.

Hamilton said the team had done well with the setup and called the pole special. He also noted that he liked the number 105.

Antonelli gains a starting place

Kimi Antonelli qualified fifth, behind Leclerc and Max Verstappen. Verstappen’s one-place penalty means Antonelli will start fourth. Hamilton and Russell went out early for their first runs, then watched as other drivers tried to beat their times. Verstappen locked up at the hairpin in the stadium section, spoiling his lap.

Russell ends sixth

He did not improve on his final lap and finished sixth. Russell said he was pleased to end a difficult run of form, although he could not explain why it had happened.

Alonso shows early pace

Fernando Alonso went fastest on his opening lap, raising hopes of his strongest qualifying result of the year for Aston Martin. Several cars that have usually been ahead of him this season were still to set their times.

After qualifying, Alonso’s frustration over a year of poor performance and Honda engine reliability was apparent. In an interview with the official television channel, he gave nine words in response to four questions.