Leclerc fastest in Mexico City Grand Prix first practice

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc goes fastest in the first practice session of the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Charles Leclerc went fastest in a practice session featuring 10 rookie drivers

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc led Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli in first practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix, where the Italian is poised to clinch his first world title.

Leclerc was 0.659 seconds quicker than Antonelli, for whom a ninth-place finish will secure the championship regardless of any other results.

Only a victory by his team-mate George Russell or Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton can theoretically stop Antonelli becoming champion on Sunday. Even then, Antonelli only needs ninth place if Russell wins and 10th if Hamilton does.

Third quickest in the session was Mercedes reserve Frederik Vesti, driving Russell's car, ahead of Hamilton.

Mercedes were one of 10 teams to choose this session to do one of their mandatory rookie sessions. Only Ferrari had both race drivers in their cars.

Source: BBC Sport