Norris edges Antonelli for fastest time in Mexican Grand Prix final practice

Lando Norris recorded the fastest lap in the hour-long final practice session for the Formula 1 Mexican Grand Prix, improving the leading time by one thousandth of a second with two minutes remaining. Kimi Antonelli was the next quickest driver, posting a 1:17.601 lap after completing two preparation laps on soft tyres.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who had led early in the session, finished third after an aborted qualifying simulation run on soft tyres. His teammate Lewis Hamilton also traded fastest times early on before both teams switched to soft compounds.

Mercedes driver George Russell considered whether a single preparation lap would be sufficient, but Antonelli completed two and set the session’s best time before Norris overtook him.

Oscar Piastri was fourth, within two tenths of Norris, while Max Verstappen, who reported brake issues late in the session, was fifth. Hamilton placed sixth, with Ferrari’s Leclerc a further 0.117 seconds behind in third.

The top ten also included Arvid Lindblad, who secured the final Q3 position, and Lawson, both comfortably ahead of midfield rivals. Nico Hulkenberg completed the most laps in the session, sharing the tally with Ryo Hirakawa, who returned to the Haas team for the weekend.

Home driver Sergio Perez and Audi's Gabriel Bortoleto did not set a time; Perez completed a single installation lap before his team changed the engine as a precaution ahead of qualifying. Valtteri Bottas finished 20th, 2.742 seconds off the pace.