Mexican Grand Prix qualifying: Formula One 2026 – live

️ F1 updates from 9pm GMT in Mexico City ️ Giles Richards’ race scene-setter | And mail Philip After last week’s rehearsal in Austin, Kimi Antonelli is going to become world champion this weekend provided he reaches the chequered flag on Sunday. Indeed, he may well do so even if he pulls up before the first corner. To take the title by his own efforts he need only finish in the top nine; if he crashes out on lap one, he will still be crowned if neither George Russell nor Lewis Hamilton wins. A world champion at 20. OK, he’s no Luke Littler. But if he completes the job tomorrow, at 20 years, two months and seven days, he will be two months and 16 days inside the heavyweight boxing record set by Mike Tyson. And let’s be honest, he looks a lot younger than Littler now, despite being five months older, and younger today than the darts maestro did at 17. To trust the youngster’s instincts and talent, when the temptation to micromanage him must have been overwhelming, has worked brilliantly. Even as the opposition caught and at times surpassed Mercedes, Antonelli was able to deliver when a win was not on the table. When it was, as at the last round in Austin, he stepped up to sweep it away with a nonchalance that typified why he is world champion elect. This makes the atmosphere in Mexico City all the more febrile in what is already one of the most vibrant venues on the calendar. Antonelli could barely have chosen a better location to enjoy the celebration of his childhood dream. The fans here embrace F1 with the same passion the Italian has for his trade. Continue reading...