Mexico: pre-qualifying 2023

 

In a huge shock, Verstappen was fastest in first practice, a tenth ahead of Albon. Perez was next, followed by Norris, with Leclerc and Piastri behind him. Sainz, Ricciardo, Ocon, and Stroll rounded out the top 10.

Verstappen also topped second practice but this time the runner-up was the more usual figure of Norris. Leclerc was next, but just a few thousandths ahead of Bottas, who was a few hundredths ahead of Perez. The Mexican was a whole hundredth ahead of Ricciardo, with Hamilton two-hundredths further back. Ocon, Piastri, and Russell followed, but the gaps were all very small indeed.

So, tough to call. Verstappen still favourite for pole, but Norris, Leclerc, and Perez all in contention for best of the rest, with Mercedes well off the pace, Aston Martin still struggling, and Piastri/Sainz a step behind their team mates.

 

I’ve decided to back Norris at 9.5 to ‘win’ qualifying each way. Perez has a bad habit of messing up qualifying or just generally underperforming, and Leclerc, I suspect, may be just a little off the pace.

If you’re feeling adventurous, backing Norris or Perez or Leclerc to win (each way) the race could be the way to go.

 

Morris Dancer

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