Charles Leclerc finished the first practice session of the Mexican Grand Prix on top of the timesheets, giving Ferrari an encouraging start to the weekend. After a strong performance in Austin, the Scuderia seemed determined to confirm the progress shown in the United States. However, Sky Sport Italia journalist and commentator Vicky Piria warned that it would be a mistake to interpret Friday’s results too optimistically.
Piria commented on Charles Leclerc’s P1 with a cautious tone, pointing out that Friday afternoon’s session does not necessarily reflect the car’s true potential. “It’s always nice to start on the right foot, but I don’t think this time means much. The track was still very dirty, and with so many rookies on track, the session wasn’t really representative,” she explained.
The presence of as many as nine young drivers behind the wheel affected the work of the official teams. Many top names, including Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, did not take part in FP1, leaving their cars to test and reserve drivers. As a result, the lap times set by Charles Leclerc and the other experienced drivers must be viewed with caution.
Nevertheless, the atmosphere within Ferrari remained positive. Charles Leclerc showed a solid rhythm and completed a valuable data-gathering program aimed at understanding tyre behaviour in high-altitude conditions. The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez sits over 2,200 metres above sea level, a factor that significantly influences aerodynamics, cooling systems, and brake temperature management.
Vicky Piria still acknowledged Ferrari’s progress. “What really matters is that Ferrari got the information it was looking for. The data analysis will be crucial in preparing for qualifying and the race,” she noted. However, she also added that “the Maranello team must stay focused, as it has often struggled to turn a good start into solid results.”
Leave a Reply