Hamilton Claims First Pole of Season for Ferrari as Antonelli Eyes Historic F1 Crown

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton secured his first pole position of the season for Ferrari at the Mexico City Grand Prix, while a surprise driver change at Haas and an FIA warning to Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar added to the drama ahead of Sunday’s race. Meanwhile, Kimi Antonelli could become Formula One’s youngest-ever world champion this weekend.

Hamilton bounced back from a difficult Friday practice to beat Mercedes’ George Russell and Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc in qualifying. The result extended his record to 105 pole positions and gave Ferrari its first pole since the Hungarian Grand Prix last year, ending a 30-race wait. At 41, Hamilton became the oldest driver to claim pole since Mario Andretti in 1982.

Antonelli qualified fifth but will start fourth after Max Verstappen received a one-place grid penalty. The 20-year-old Mercedes driver can clinch the title on Sunday even without starting from the front row. He needs only to finish ninth or higher to surpass Sebastian Vettel ’s record of becoming the youngest world champion at 23, according to the championship scenarios reported ahead of the race. Antonelli has won nine grands prix this season, including last week’s United States Grand Prix. Mercedes could also secure its first constructors’ title since 2021.

In another major development, Haas abruptly replaced Esteban Ocon with Ryo Hirakawa for the remainder of the Mexico weekend, including qualifying and the race. The team did not explain the decision but clarified that Ocon was not being replaced due to illness. Hirakawa, a former Le Mans 24 Hours winner with Toyota, will make his F1 race debut alongside Oliver Bearman.

Separately, the FIA issued Hadjar a formal warning after he pushed away a spectator who approached him for a hug and selfie in the paddock. Stewards cited the unwanted approach, inadequate security and persistent congestion as mitigating circumstances.

Hadjar will start seventh, while Fernando Alonso was eliminated in Q1 and home favourite Sergio Pérez qualified second-last for Cadillac.