Hamilton claims Mexico City pole as Verstappen and Lawson penalised after FP2 clash

Lewis Hamilton will start the 2026 Mexico Grand Prix from pole position after topping qualifying at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, with George Russell lining up second and Charles Leclerc third on the provisional grid, pending final FIA validation.

The front rows took shape against a backdrop of post-session penalties, with Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson both dropped one place on the grid after stewards ruled they were jointly responsible for a collision during Friday’s second free practice session.

Hamilton’s pole marks a significant moment in his debut season with Ferrari, underlining the Scuderia’s early competitiveness under the new 2026 technical regulations. Russell’s second place keeps Mercedes firmly in contention, while Leclerc’s third ensures Ferrari occupies two of the top three starting slots.

The full provisional starting grid, subject to FIA confirmation, is as follows:

1. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
2. George Russell (Mercedes)
3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
4. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)

The penalties for Verstappen and Lawson reshuffle the midfield order and could have strategic implications for the race, particularly given the long run to the first braking zone at the Mexican venue — one of the most overtaking-friendly circuits on the calendar.

The FIA’s final grid validation is expected ahead of the race, with any further stewards’ decisions potentially subject to change before lights out.