“When two fight, the third one enjoys.” In a world championship where McLaren and Red Bull are fighting for the lead, Ferrari takes centre stage with Carlos Sainz in pole position, ready to exploit the occasion at its best. This year, unlike the last two seasons, the Mexican Grand Prix can really shape the championship, and the Maranello team is at the start with a starting grid in its favor. Sainz, in the lead, will have to face the pressure of Verstappen and Norris, while Leclerc, fourth, will be able to take advantage of the long straight to try to overtake. A season finale that promises to be uncertain and competitive, with every point precious in the race for the world titles.
Sainz on pole and Ferrari in the lead
Sainz's pole position is an important signal for Ferrari, which confirms its excellent form after the one-two in Austin. The Spanish driver was able to exploit every opportunity, also benefiting from the slipstream of Nico Hülkenberg during the first run of Q3. With an extraordinary time, the only one under 1:16, he left Max Verstappen and Lando Norris to fight for second and third place. Leclerc, from fourth place, remains in a good strategic position, thanks to the very long straight that could facilitate overtaking right from the start.

Mercedes and Haas on third and fourth row
In the third row we find the Mercedes of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, in fifth and sixth position respectively, ready to exploit any mistakes of their rivals. The Brackley team arrives at the Mexican weekend with the desire to redeem itself after the difficulties encountered in Austin. The Haas are surprising, with Kevin Magnussen seventh and Nico Hulkenberg tenth, followed by the Alpine of Pierre Gasly and the Williams of Alexander Albon, who closes the top ten.
Sensational exclusions for McLaren and Red Bull
Qualifying saw two big outs in Q1: Oscar Piastri and Sergio Perez, who disappointed expectations. Piastri, who will start from 17th position, was unable to find the right pace after a costly mistake, while Perez, supported by his home crowd, stopped in 18th place. Their absence from the top positions gives a significant advantage to Ferrari, ready to play it all in the Constructors' World Championship.
Full starting grid of the F1 Mexico GP 2024
1 | Carlos Sainz | Ferrari |
2 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull |
3 | Lando Norris | McLaren |
4 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari |
5 | George Russell | Mercedes |
6 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes |
7 | Kevin Magnussen | Haas |
8 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine |
9 | Alexander albon | Williams |
10 | Nico Hulkenberg | Haas |
11 | Yuki tsunoda | Visa Cash App RB |
12 | Liam Lawson. | Visa Cash App RB |
13 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin |
14 | Lance stroll | Aston Martin |
15 | Valtteri Bottas | Stake F1 |
16 | Franco Colapinto | Williams |
17 | Oscar piastri | McLaren |
18 | Sergio Perez | Red Bull |
19 | Guanyu-Zhou | Stake F1 |
Esteban Ocon (Pit Lane) | Alpine |