2024 Mexican GP FP1 results: Russell tops the session, Verstappen suffers engine issues

The Mexican Grand prix free practice session is over with Mercedes George Russell finishing at the top followed by Ferrari's Carlos Sainz of Ferrari and Yuki Tsunoda finishing third. Championship leader Max Verstappen was the fourth fastest driver but suffered engine issues during the late period of the session and went to the garage. 

Mexican GP FP1 results

George Russell tops a stop-start opening practice in Mexico City 🇲🇽

And - check this - eight different teams in the top eight! 👀

Here's the full classification 🔽#F1#MexicoGPpic.twitter.com/lOfr5LFqxS

— Formula 1 (@F1) October 25, 2024

The hometown hero Sergio Perez's disappointing run continues as he finished 10th after the FP1. Nico Hulkenberg had a good run as he finished fifth followed by McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Alpine’s Esteban Ocon. Kick Sauber’s Valtteri Bottas and Liam Lawson finished 8th and 9th respectively.

The session opened with an Alex Albon crash after the Williams driver was late to notice the ferrari in the front. Albon was on a hot lap and he suddenly noticed the Ferrari moving aside from the corner. The Williams driver had a little bit of oversteer and he collided straight with the Ferrari’s front left side, spun and rammed hard straight into the barriers. Both driver's sessions were over after the collision and the young Ollie Bearman came out of the car with complete disappointment. Many drivers including Valtteri Bottas, Oscar Piastri, and Franco Colapinto went wide off the track and then rejoined.

Talking about Max Verstappen’s engine issue during the practice session, it could end as a penalty for him if the mechanics don't fix the issue within the period. He will have a grid penalty which will not please the three-time world champion as he is contending for his fourth world title with McLaren’s Lando Norris.

The other drivers to finish the session are Franco Colapinto in 11th, Kimi Antonelli at 12th, O’Ward in 13th, Kevin Magnussen in 14th, Pierre Gasly in 15th, Lance Stroll at 16th, Alex Albon at 17th, Felipe Drugovich at 18th, Robert Shwartzman in 19th and Oliver Bearman finishing in the last spot after due to crash.