2023-10-27 23:14:00
The fans’ sympathies belonged to Sergio Pérez – but on the track Max Verstappen set the tone, unimpressed. The Formula 1 world champion dominated the free training session in Mexico and initially left his Red Bull team-mate behind at his home game.
The Dutchman Verstappen set the best time in free practice with 1:18.686 minutes and quickly acclimatized to the thin mountain air in the atmospheric Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
Second behind Verstappen on the still dusty and slippery track was Lando Norris in the McLaren, just over a tenth of a second behind. Pérez, who is aiming for an escape in the home race, came fifth.
Haas driver Nico Hülkenberg, who is contesting his 200th Grand Prix in Formula 1 on Sunday (9 p.m. in the live ticker), finished 15th.
Pérez calls for reconciliation
Overall, the distances were limited. There was just over half a second between Verstappen and Mercedes driver George Russell in tenth place. The Silver Arrows with Russell and record world champion Lewis Hamilton, like Ferrari and McLaren, should be within striking distance of the podium.
After Pérez fans booed Verstappen at the awards ceremony last weekend in Austin, Texas, the organizers called for fairness on huge posters around the track.
Pérez also appealed to his supporters that, with a view to the stable duel at Red Bull, there was this “very important message: What happens on the track should stay on the track.” Team boss Christian Horner assured: “There is no rivalry between the two.”
Verstappen ensures clear conditions
In the cockpit, Verstappen once again made the situation clear. The three-time world champion set the fastest time in the first free practice session, and in the second session, during which there was a light shower, he improved.
Verstappen is aiming for another milestone in Mexico. If he were to win again on Sunday, he would celebrate his 16th win of the season and thus set a record for the most wins in a season. Competition also comes from within our own ranks.
“If you want to win a certain race, it’s your home race,” said Pérez. A win would be “crazy. That’s my biggest dream.”
Pourchaire im Pech
A dream came true in the first training session, in which Pirelli tires were also tested for the coming season, for four young drivers who were able to gain important experience in the Formula 1 car.
The long-awaited test run was unfortunate only for Formula 2 leader Theo Pourchaire.
Due to technical problems with his Alfa Romeo, the Frenchman was unable to complete a classified lap.
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