Ferrari plays poker in the first Mexico training session, Hamilton in front

The best time in the first free training session was set by world champion and World Cup leader Lewis Hamilton in 1:17,327 minutes, but close behind were Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc (+0,119 seconds) and the Dutchman Max Verstappen (+0,134), who was in the last two had triumphed in Mexico years ago. Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel didn't get past sixth place (+0,891), but like Leclerc, the German decided not to use the softest and therefore fastest tire compound.

Sebastian Vettel kept a low profile. © APA/afp / PEDRO PARDO

Fourth place went to Verstappen's teammate Alexander Albon (+0,622). Valtteri Bottas came fifth in the second Mercedes, 0,678 seconds behind Hamilton. If the two Silver Arrows drivers also occupy these positions in the race on Sunday, Hamilton would be world champion for the sixth time.

The 34-year-old Brit is 64 championship points ahead of his only remaining rival Bottas before the fourth-to-last race. In order to take the crown in Mexico for the third year in a row, Hamilton has to score 14 points more than the Finn. Height challenges teams The thin air at an altitude of more than 2200 m in Mexico City ensures low downforce despite the wings being at their maximum position. The turbo has to do more work than usual, which makes the already complicated cooling system even more difficult.

This was noticeable: all 20 drivers initially slid wildly around the track in search of the right set-up. Most of the drivers were able to intercept their cars - but not Canadian Lance Stroll, who crashed into a barrier with his Racing Point and caused a twelve-minute interruption.

In view of the negative experiences of the past two years, Mercedes rejected the role of favorites, Hamilton spoke in advance of “our most difficult race of the year” and motorsport director Toto Wolff of “damage limitation”. Ferrari was the most ready to formulate victory ambitions at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

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Ferrari plays poker in the first Mexico training session, Hamilton in front

There are signs of a close battle between the three top teams at the Mexican Grand Prix.

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