Leclerc fastest in Mexico practice, Antonelli returns from sickness

MEXICO CITY: Charles Leclerc led the times for Ferrari during Friday's opening free practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix, ahead of championship leader Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes by 0.659 seconds in a session that included rookie drivers and a brief Virtual Safety Car intervention. Antonelli, who had missed Thursday's session due to illness, could become the sport's youngest world champion and Italy's first since 1953 if he finishes in the top nine.

He could also win the title if his remaining rivals – Mercedes teammate George Russell and Ferrari's seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton – fail to win. Rookie Ayumi Iwasa of Red Bull was fifth, behind Pierre Gasly of Alpine and Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin. Pierre Gasly was sixth for Alpine, followed by Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin, Oscar Piastri of McLaren, Oliver Bearman of Haas, and Arvid Lindblad of Red Bull.

Isack Hadjar of Red Bull was 11th due to power unit issues. Lewis Hamilton was first out, testing his Ferrari with aero rakes for data collection, and later stated his intention to continue racing for the foreseeable future if he remains competitive, aiming to participate in the planned African Grand Prix in Rwanda.