Leclerc Expresses Frustration After Qualifying Third in Mexico, Hamilton Takes First Pole Since 2023
Charles Leclerc started the Mexican Grand Prix from P3, while Lewis Hamilton clinched his first pole in over a year, prompting an angry self‑assessment from the Ferrari driver.
Mexico City – Charles Leclerc admitted he was "angry with myself" after qualifying third for the Mexican Grand Prix, a result that left his teammate Lewis Hamilton on pole – the first for the Briton since the 2023 season. The qualifying session at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez saw Hamilton post a 1:15.264 lap, edging out Leclerc’s 1:15.311 by just 0.047 seconds, according to Formula1.com.
Leclerc’s frustration stemmed from a combination of factors. He struggled to extract the maximum from his Ferrari on the high‑altitude circuit, where thin air reduces downforce and places a premium on engine performance. The Monegasque driver also highlighted a brief loss of confidence during his final flying lap, saying he “could have done better” and that the team’s setup did not fully suit his driving style for the day.
Hamilton, meanwhile, celebrated a return to the top step of the grid after a long pole drought. The seven‑time world champion praised the Mercedes engineers for delivering a perfect balance between straight‑line speed and cornering grip, especially on the long back straight and the iconic Peraltada curve. His pole position not only gives him a strategic advantage for the race but also tightens the championship battle, as he now sits just three points behind Max Verstappen in the drivers’ standings.
For Indian fans, the race will start at 02:00 IST on Sunday, 24 October, and will be streamed live on FanCode with a free‑to‑air feed on the official F1 TV app. The time slot is convenient for early‑morning viewers, and the race will also be broadcast on Star Sports 1 in Hindi and English. Indian audiences can expect a thrilling showdown as Hamilton looks to convert his pole into a win, while Ferrari will be eager to see if Leclerc can recover his composure and fight his way back to the podium.
Leclerc’s candid post‑qualifying comments underline the pressure Ferrari faces in the latter half of the season. The team will likely analyse telemetry and tyre data overnight to identify any gaps that allowed Hamilton to edge ahead. If Ferrari can sort out the issues highlighted by Leclerc, they could still mount a strong challenge in Mexico and beyond.
Source: Formula1.com