Norris Clinches Mexico GP Practice Session, Edge Over Antonelli by 0.001s

In a razor‑thin finish at the Circuit de la Ciudad de México, Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris of McLaren topped the final practice session, clocking a lap time just 0.001 seconds faster than rookie Kimi Antonelli of Williams. The 2024‑champion’s 1:39.234 lap was the fastest of the day, with Antonelli close behind at 1:39.235, according to Autosport and Motorsport.com.

The session, held on Thursday, saw the field split into two groups due to the high temperatures and humidity that can affect tyre performance. Norris, who has been a consistent threat to Mercedes’ dominance, used a dry‑slick setup that seemed to give him a slight advantage on the long straights and high‑speed corners of the 6.3‑kilometre track. Antonelli, meanwhile, was praised for his smooth driving and the Williams team’s effective tyre strategy, which kept the young driver in a tight battle for the top spot.

While the margin is statistically negligible, it highlights the fine line between the front‑row teams and the midfield. McLaren’s engineering crew will likely take cues from this performance as they fine‑tune the car for the race, especially in light of the recent upgrades to the power unit and aerodynamic package. Williams, on the other hand, will be encouraged by Antonelli’s pace, which could translate into better qualifying and race results if the car’s reliability holds up.

For Indian fans, the Mexico GP will be broadcast live on FanCode from 4:30 PM IST on Saturday, with the race starting at 5:00 PM IST. McLaren’s Lando Norris is a favourite for many, and his practice performance suggests he could be a strong contender for the podium. Keep an eye on the live commentary for updates on tyre choices and any weather‑related changes that could affect the race outcome.

Source: Autosport