Verstappen ahead of Norris

The third practice session in Mexico – LIVE from 19:30

Carlos Sainz was unbeatable in qualifying.(Bild: AFP or licensors)

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz has secured pole position for the Mexican Grand Prix with a dream lap. The Spaniard was clearly faster than world champion Max Verstappen (+0.225 sec.) in the Red Bull and McLaren driver Lando Norris (+0.314) at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez some 2200 m above sea level on Saturday. 

Austin winner Charles Leclerc in the second Ferrari secured fourth place on the grid for Sunday's race (9pm/live in the sportkrone.at ticker).

Max Verstappen(Bild: AFP or licensors)

Verstappen satisfied
For Sainz, who last finished second in Texas, it was his first pole of the year and sixth overall. "Both laps in Q3 were super and almost perfect. I'm over the moon," said the 30-year-old. Verstappen was also satisfied. "I'm very happy to be on the front row here. A lot is possible," explained the Dutchman. The day before, the three-time world champion was still struggling with major problems and was given a different engine for final practice and qualifying. As it was one from the permitted pool, he did not receive a penalty.

Perez and Piastri out early
Local hero Sergio Perez suffered another disappointment in front of the Mexican fans. The criticized Red Bull driver had to settle for 18th place on the grid in his ninth home race. "It's a big disappointment. At this Grand Prix in particular, I want to do well," said Perez on ORF, struggling with brake problems. Just one place ahead of Perez is McLaren driver Oscar Piastri, who also failed to make it past "Q1" in 17th place after a driving error and then on used tires.

In the championship standings, Verstappen is still 57 points ahead of Norris with five races and two sprints to go before the end of the season. In the constructors' championship, McLaren are already 40 points ahead of Red Bull Racing, while Ferrari are only 48 points behind after their recent double victory in Austin.