What happened: Lewis Hamilton secured the top spot on the grid at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez after Max Verstappen locked up on his final flying lap. George Russell finished second, while Charles Leclerc took third to give Ferrari two cars in the top three.

Why it matters: The result delivers Hamilton his first pole position since joining the Italian constructor, converting qualifying pace into track position at a high-altitude circuit where passing is difficult. With Verstappen starting fourth and teammate Leclerc directly behind him in third, the front-row start provides tactical leverage for race day.

What to watch: The Mexico City Grand Prix begins Sunday at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, with Hamilton leading the field into the long run toward Turn 1.