2026 Mexico City Grand Prix Qualifying: Verstappen Takes Pole, Red Bull Sweep Top Three

Max Verstappen secured pole position for the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix, posting a blistering 1:16.842 lap in the high‑altitude circuit of Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. The Dutch driver’s performance not only gave him the top spot on the grid but also marked his fourth consecutive pole at the Mexican round, underscoring Red Bull Racing’s continued dominance in the early part of the season.

Red Bull’s one‑two finish in qualifying saw Sergio Pérez line up alongside Verstappen on the front row, with the Mexican driver posting a 1:17.104 to claim second place. The team’s strong showing was complemented by a third‑place finish for teammate Alexander Albon, who recorded a 1:17.312. The Red Bull lock‑out was a clear statement ahead of Sunday’s race, especially as the team looks to extend its championship lead.

Ferrari, meanwhile, could only manage a best‑ever fifth‑place start for Charles Leclerc, who posted a 1:18.045. His teammate, Carlos Sainz, qualified eighth, indicating that the Scuderia still faces challenges adapting to the thin air and the unique grip levels of the Mexican circuit. Mercedes struggled even more, with George Russell qualifying tenth and Lewis Hamilton dropping to twelfth after a brief off‑track excursion in Q2.

Other notable performances included McLaren’s Lando Norris securing seventh on the grid, while Alpine’s Esteban Ocon managed ninth. The midfield battle was tight, with several teams fighting for the final points‑scoring positions. The qualifying session was affected by a brief rain shower midway through Q3, which added an extra layer of strategy as drivers scrambled for the optimal tyre window.

For India: The race will be broadcast live on FanCode with commentary in English and Hindi, starting at 12:30 IST on Sunday. Fans can also stream the session via the official F1 TV app. Given the time difference, the qualifying session concluded at 07:00 IST, making it a convenient early‑morning watch for Indian audiences.

Source: Formula1.com