Charles Leclerc took a superb pole as traffic chaos in Mexico caused shock Lando Norris elimination in Q1.
Although Q1 began with smooth running, qualifying quickly became very stressful for drivers who had to manage traffic.
However, despite the early mess, Leclerc put in a stellar lap to take a shocking pole.
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Carlos Sainz will create the first Ferrari 1-2 since Miami last year, qualifying 0.067s behind his teammate.
Home hero Sergio Perez struggled to compete in the final stages, starting fifth on the grid. While Max Verstappen could only put his car third on the grid.
Among the top drivers, Daniel Ricciardo proudly announced his return after a dismal Austin race. Putting in one of the strongest performances, the Australian will start fourth.
Both Mercedes seemed to struggle in qualifying, split by the lonely McLaren of Oscar Piastri in Q1, with Lewis Hamilton starting 6th and George Russell in 8th.
“There’s no way [the car is ok]. There must be damage or something”.
However, the big shock appeared early when Lando Norris was caught out in the traffic and was eliminated in Q1.
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Hampered by traffic and Fernando Alonso who spun in the final few minutes of Q1, the McLaren driver had to abort his lap.
Hope may come his way though, after several drivers were noted for breaking the rules.
Logan Sargeant, Lewis Hamilton, Guanyu Zhou and Norris are all currently under investigation for a myriad of reasons.
Also, both Verstappen and Russell are under investigation for slowing the traffic in the pitlane.
Despite the worries of penalties, drivers continued on in Q2 with Alex Albon suffering from possible damage.
Albon came on the radio and said: “There’s no way [the car is ok]. There must be damage or something”.
While initially surviving to Q3, Albon saw his lap time deleted and will start 14th.
Alonso was eliminated in Q2 following earlier issues and will start 13th before penalties are given.
Among the other star performers, both Alfa Romeo drivers performed well to make it into Q3.
Valtteri Bottas, powered by tacos not porridge this weekend, will start 9th ahead of Guanyu Zhou in 10th.
More is to follow with the FIA yet to decide decision on penalties.
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