After more than three years and three months, the seven-time world champion finally returned to pole position. It was the 105th of his career and his first with Ferrari, which had not started a Grand Prix from pole since August 2025.
“It’s amazing. It feels so good. I’m so happy I can’t find the words. It’s been a difficult weekend, with several problems yesterday (Friday). But the team and I did a great job with the car setup, and that delivered pole position,” Hamilton said.
The Briton became the fifth-oldest driver to take pole in F1 history. The last older driver to achieve the feat was American Mario Andretti, who was 42 and a half when he claimed pole at the 1982 Italian Grand Prix, more than 44 years ago.
“It’s all about mindset. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. I do everything I can to stay in shape, and my love for what I do, combined with the support I receive from all over the world, helps me a lot. I hope I can give my fans a win tomorrow (Sunday),” added Hamilton, who has won one Grand Prix this year, in Barcelona in June.
Antonelli poised to clinch the title
Hamilton will share the front row with his former teammate and fellow Briton George Russell, who has struggled throughout the weekend but missed out on pole by just nine thousandths of a second.
The two Mercedes and Ferrari drivers are the only ones who can delay Antonelli’s expected title triumph. To do so, either Hamilton or Russell must win the race and hope the Italian finishes outside the top nine. That looks unlikely given the championship leader’s consistency. He has finished outside the top 10 only twice and has placed in the top five in 16 of his 18 races this season.
Antonelli, who arrived in Mexico not at full strength after suffering from a viral illness, will start fourth and can focus on securing the result he needs to become the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history.
The Bologna-born driver qualified fifth behind Max Verstappen (Red Bull) but moves up one place after the Dutchman received a one-place grid penalty for his collision on Friday with New Zealander Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls), who received the same penalty.
“It wasn’t my best qualifying session. I struggled to find grip and couldn’t put together the lap I wanted because I made a few small mistakes,” Antonelli admitted. “It’s disappointing, but I think we have a good chance of fighting for a strong result on Sunday.”
Ocon dropped by Haas
Among the French drivers, Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) will start seventh, while Pierre Gasly (Alpine), who reached Q3 once again, will line up 10th.
Esteban Ocon, however, did not take part in the second day of the Mexico City Grand Prix after Haas dropped him in favor of Japanese reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa.
Rumors of a physical altercation on Friday evening between Ocon and team principal Ayao Komatsu circulated through the paddock on Saturday. The Frenchman strongly denied the allegations in a statement on social media.
“Last night (Friday), a difference of opinion led to a discussion between the parties involved. While I acknowledge that this exchange did take place, I categorically reject any reports or accusations that any form of physical violence was used to settle any disagreement, whatever it may have been.”
Ocon, who is set to leave the American team at the end of the season, may never drive a Haas car again following the incident.
