Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) after his first F1 pole since 2023: “I’m speechless”

A superb performance from Lewis Hamilton at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez: the Ferrari superstar set the fastest time in a thrilling final practice session for the historic Mexican Grand Prix, securing his 105th pole position in the premier class – his first Grand Prix pole for Ferrari!

This is Lewis Hamilton’s first pole since Hungary 2023 (when he was still with Mercedes) and his second at the Mexican circuit since 2016. At 41, Hamilton is the oldest F1 pole-setter since Mario Andretti at Monza in 1982, also with Ferrari.

For Hamilton’s team, Ferrari, this is their 255th Formula 1 pole position, their first this season, their first since Hungary 2025 (with Charles Leclerc) and their sixth at the Autódromo.

A good omen for Hamilton: the last four Grands Prix have all been won by the pole-sitter – George Russell in Baku, Max Verstappen in Bahrain and Singapore, and Kimi Antonelli in Texas.

Since Formula 1 returned to Mexico in 2015, the race has been won five times by the pole-sitter (Rosberg in 2015, Hamilton in 2016, Verstappen in 2022, Sainz in 2024, Norris in 2025).

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Hamilton summed up his qualifying session as follows: “Blimey, I’m speechless! I can’t even put into words how good this feels. It’s been a bloody long time!”

“It wasn’t the easiest weekend for us. First I had to do some aero tests, then we had an engine problem and I lost 30 minutes of practice time. I always felt like I was playing catch-up.”

“But as a team, we did a really good job with the set-up. It was so bloody close at the front, though. I didn’t drive flawlessly on my way to pole either. My first pole with Ferrari – I can’t believe it.”

When Hamilton is told that he is the oldest pole-setter since Mario Andretti in 1982, Lewis starts laughing: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way! It’s all in the mind. I try to keep myself as fit and young as possible, but it’s above all my love for the sport that keeps me young.”

“I drive for the most fabulous team in the world; we have the best fans in the world – all of that motivates me every day to give my best and to surpass myself.”

“Every day I see how hard everyone at Ferrari works, and I’m very proud that I can reward that effort. I hope to do so with a win tomorrow too!”