Mexican Grand Prix qualifying: Formula One 2026 – live

️ F1 updates from 9pm GMT in Mexico City
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It has been an unusually feisty buildup to qualifying. Liam Lawson and Max Verstappen have both been knocked down a place on the grid after a coming together in FP1 that left the Dutchman in combative mood:

Red Bulls’ Verstappen was embroiled in an incident that left him with damaged bodywork, tangling with Racing Bulls’ Lawson in a feisty fight for track position going into the Foro Sol section.

Verstappen said New Zealand’s Lawson caused the trouble near turn 12, their minor collision spewing debris over the circuit and causing a red flag so the track could be cleared.

To trust the youngster’s instincts and talent, when the temptation to micromanage him must have been overwhelming, has worked brilliantly. Even as the opposition caught and at times surpassed Mercedes, Antonelli was able to deliver when a win was not on the table. When it was, as at the last round in Austin, he stepped up to sweep it away with a nonchalance that typified why he is world champion elect.

This makes the atmosphere in Mexico City all the more febrile in what is already one of the most vibrant venues on the calendar. Antonelli could barely have chosen a better location to enjoy the celebration of his childhood dream. The fans here embrace F1 with the same passion the Italian has for his trade.

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