Lando Norris dominated the final practice session for the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix, showcasing his prowess with a time of 1:16.633. This performance set the stage for a thrilling race ahead, with Norris leading the pack and his rivals in pursuit. The McLaren driver's speed and precision were evident as he navigated the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit with ease, leaving his competitors in awe.
The race's title contenders, Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen, struggled to match Norris' pace, finishing in fifth and sixth places, respectively. This result highlights Norris' potential to be a strong contender for the championship, especially with his team's strategic choices and his own skill behind the wheel.
The session witnessed an early challenge from Lewis Hamilton, who pushed the limits but encountered issues with his Ferrari. Hamilton's first flying lap ended with a deep run at Turn 4, followed by a similar mistake at Turn 1. However, as the session progressed, Carlos Sainz emerged as a strong contender, setting a benchmark with a time of 1:18.028 using soft Pirelli tyres.
The top three positions were fiercely competitive, with Norris, Sainz, and Verstappen trading places. Norris' second flying lap, using medium tyres, secured his lead with a time of 1:18.015, leaving Piastri over four-tenths behind. The session's second phase saw Verstappen simulate a race on medium tyres, while Russell struggled with the yellow-walled tyres, complaining of sliding.
The battle for pole position intensified as Russell became the first to break the 1:18 barrier, setting a time of 1:17.892. This was soon bettered by Isack Hadjar and Piastri, with the latter lowering the benchmark to 1:17.315. The times kept dropping, with Charles Leclerc and Kimi Antonelli briefly leading, until Hamilton's 1:16.978s. However, Norris' 1:16.633s remained the fastest time, securing his dominance in the final practice session.
The top 10 was filled with a mix of teams, including Racing Bulls, Red Bull, and Sauber. However, some notable drivers faced challenges, such as Alex Albon, who suffered lock-ups, and Fernando Alonso, who encountered issues with his car's front right side. The session concluded with all 20 drivers preparing for the crucial qualifying session, where the true contenders will be revealed.
