F1 Today | Hamilton sits out Mexican GP FP1, Piastri delivers reality check

Ferrari will field a slightly different line-up at the start of the Mexican Grand Prix weekend, with Hamilton sitting out the opening practice session. In his place, the team will give track time to one of its endurance regulars, Antonio Fuoco, offering valuable F1 mileage.

The Brit will be back behind the wheel for FP2, as Formula 1 returns to its usual three-session format following the sprint weekend in Austin.

Charles Leclerc, on the other hand, will take part in FP1 as he looks to extend his strong run of form. After scoring his sixth podium of the year in Texas, the Monegasque will be aiming to keep Ferrari in the fight for another solid result in Mexico City.

For much of the season, it looked like the championship fight would be settled between the two McLaren teammates. But since the summer break — and particularly after his win in Zandvoort — Max Verstappen has come roaring back into contention, slashing the gap to Oscar Piastri over the past four races.

The Dutchman arrived in Austin 63 points behind the Australian and left just 40 adrift, reigniting his title hopes with five Grands Prix and two sprints still to go. Piastri, meanwhile, paid the price for a sprint race retirement and an unremarkable fifth place in Sunday’s Grand Prix.

Despite Verstappen’s resurgence, Piastri remains calm. The McLaren driver insists he’s not overly worried by the Red Bull star’s comeback, confident he can manage the gap if he returns to his early-season form in the final stretch.