Hamilton Takes First Ferrari Pole Since 2023
46 sourcesUpdated Nov 1, 20261 min read
Lewis Hamilton posted a 1 minute 16.514 seconds lap to take pole for the Mexico City Grand Prix at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, 0.009 seconds ahead of George Russell and 0.119 clear of Charles Leclerc. "Wow, I feel great. It's really beautiful. I'm so happy. I'm lost for words," Hamilton said after qualifying. It was his first pole for Ferrari, his 105th career pole, and his first in a regular Grand Prix since the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix. At 41 years and 297 days he became the oldest Grand Prix pole-sitter since Mario Andretti in 1982. Hamilton said the weekend was tough after an FP1 engine problem compromised his race simulation, though Ferrari improved the setup. He could not immediately complete his Q2 lap, leaving rivals a possible new tyre for the start. He told interviewers the result came down to mentality and fitness and that fans help him keep pushing. Jenson Button interviewed him after the session. Kimi Antonelli was fifth-fastest but starts fourth after Max Verstappen's one-place penalty for a Friday practice collision with Liam Lawson. Antonelli can clinch the title by finishing ninth or better on Nov 1. Russell or Hamilton must win with Antonelli outside the top nine to keep the contest alive. CONTESTED: No factual disputes identified.
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Verstappen's penalty dropping him behind Antonelli should help the midfield battle, though Piastri's Q2 exit is a real shame for McLaren.
Hamilton's first Ferrari pole since joining shows he still has the edge, especially holding off Russell by just nine thousandths.
