Charles Leclerc Tops First Practice at Mexico City Grand Prix for Ferrari

Charles Leclerc set the fastest time in the opening practice session of the Mexico City Grand Prix, giving Ferrari an early boost at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. The Monegasque driver's pace in FP1 suggests the Scuderia could be competitive this weekend, though practice times often shift as teams refine setups. The session, held in the high-altitude conditions of Mexico City, saw drivers adjusting to reduced downforce and cooling challenges. Leclerc's performance is a positive sign for Ferrari, which has been seeking consistency in the latter half of the season. Rivals will likely respond in later sessions, but the early benchmark is set. Why it matters: A strong start in Mexico could signal Ferrari's intent to challenge Red Bull and McLaren, and for Leclerc, it's a chance to build momentum after mixed results in recent races. The team's engine and chassis package appears well-suited to the circuit's long straights and slow corners. With qualifying and the race still to come, teams will use data from this session to optimize tire strategy and balance. All eyes now turn to FP2 to see if Leclerc can maintain his advantage.