Leclerc sets Mexico pace as Herta secures F1 Super Licence

Charles Leclerc delivered the standout pace in a rookie-heavy opening practice for the Mexico City Grand Prix on Friday, 30 October, while Colton Herta completed the final step needed to earn his FIA Super Licence.

The Ferrari driver set the session’s fastest time, finishing six-and-a-half tenths clear of Kimi Antonelli. The result was a strong early signal from Leclerc: his final benchmark of 1:18.128 was quicker than his best time in the equivalent practice session in Mexico a year earlier.

Leclerc establishes a clear early advantage

Antonelli finished second, with Mercedes colleague Fred Vesti third after stepping in for George Russell. Lewis Hamilton was fourth and Ayumu Iwasa fifth, driving in place of Max Verstappen.

Leclerc had already taken control before the halfway point, then lowered his own benchmark as the session progressed. Antonelli’s first push lap had been deleted for track limits, but he remained the closest challenger by the finish.

Ten rookies took part. Mercedes’ Antonelli was the quickest of them, while Ferrari was the only team not to put a junior driver in one of its cars. Other standouts included Vesti and Iwasa, with Pierre Gasly also running strongly in fourth during the session before later positions shifted.

For more on the pressure surrounding the Ferrari driver, read our report on concerns about Leclerc’s mindset after a costly slump.

Herta reaches the decisive Super Licence milestone

Herta’s session was about completing the required mileage rather than chasing the top of the timesheets. Driving Valtteri Bottas’ Cadillac, he needed 24 laps to secure the final point toward his FIA Super Licence. He completed that distance, covering 100 kilometres and earning the licence.

The achievement moves the American a significant step closer to his stated aim of racing in Formula 1. Herta finished the session’s key task in the closing moments, making his final lap the most consequential of his run. His route to a potential Cadillac opportunity has also been covered in our report on uncertainty over a possible 2027 move.

There were interruptions elsewhere. Isack Hadjar returned to the pits after reporting a problem, with his Red Bull appearing to have a power-unit issue. A virtual safety car followed when Jak Crawford was told to stop Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin.

Freddie Slater’s Audi running was disrupted early, including a pit return with a fan still attached to the car. He later rejoined and set a time, ending the session 21st. Leclerc, however, left the clearest competitive marker, while Herta left Mexico practice with the Super Licence milestone secured.