Charles Leclerc (Ferrari/3rd): “I simply did a rubbish job”

Of course, Charles Leclerc would have loved to have secured pole position for the Mexican Grand Prix in his Ferrari; it would have been his first pole since Hungary 2025, and Ferrari’s first too. It did happen in the end, but not with Leclerc – it was Lewis Hamilton!

Leclerc was 119 thousandths of a second behind the astonishing Englishman, and his whole body language after qualifying said: ‘I’m really fed up.’

Strictly speaking, it’s no reason for a sleepless night: since the race’s return in 2015, the Mexican Grand Prix has been won more often from P3 than from second place – most recently, Lewis Hamilton won from P3 in 2019, as did Max Verstappen in 2021 and 2023. But that’s no consolation right now for the Monegasque driver, who had been the fastest all Friday and whom many in the paddock believed was capable of securing his 28th Formula 1 pole here. Especially as he was also the fastest in the first part of Q3.

The Monegasque driver spoke about his qualifying session in Mexico: “I simply did a rubbish job. The warm-up laps were extremely tricky – getting the tyres into the optimal working window. That was my biggest problem today.”

“Towards the end of Q3, the tyres were warming up well, but suddenly the car felt completely different to drive – I don’t know why. But that’s no excuse, because Lewis has proved that the Ferrari is fast enough for pole.”

Topic of the week

Soon-to-be world champion Kimi Antonelli: The inevitable will then follow in Mexico

The 20-year-old Italian Kimi Antonelli had the chance to secure the 2026 World Championship title at the US Grand Prix. He did everything right: victory in Texas. The title celebrations have nevertheless been postponed. Until Mexico.

Read More

TV Program

Tomorrow

Mexico City: Rennen Re-Live

FIA Formula One World Championship

01.11.2026 - 23:15

“I have to admit – I’m disappointed. Starting from third on the grid here isn’t too bad, though, especially on the clean side.”

“My car was really a handful; I had to struggle quite a bit with it, especially in Q3, but that’s mainly down to the low grip combined with the reduced downforce of the 2026 cars. But even that’s no excuse, because it’s the same for all drivers.”