Norris’ Ride-Height Tweak Boosts Mexico GP Qualifying Hopes

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Lando Norris showcased a commanding performance in the final practice session (FP3) for the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix, thanks to a strategic ride-height adjustment by McLaren F1 Team. Posting a blistering 1m16.633s, Norris outpaced Lewis Hamilton of Scuderia Ferrari by 0.345 seconds, cementing his status as a favorite heading into qualifying at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

The ride-height tweak between Norris’ two soft-tire runs proved transformative, enabling him to set a benchmark time of 1m16.633s, dominating every sector. Hamilton trailed in second, while George Russell of Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team was 0.5 seconds off in third. Oscar Piastri, Norris’ teammate, struggled to match his pace, finishing fifth, 0.6 seconds behind.

Max Verstappen of Oracle Red Bull Racing faced challenges with his car’s race pace, posting a 1m17.242s to finish sixth. High track temperatures, reaching 48°C, led to frequent lock-ups, affecting drivers like Hamilton and Carlos Sainz of Atlassian Williams Racing.

The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez’s 2,240-meter elevation posed unique challenges, impacting aerodynamics and engine cooling. Verstappen tested overnight setup changes, evident from flow-vis paint on his rear wing, but struggled for grip. Norris, however, overcame an early rear lock-up to deliver a flawless final run. Young talents like Kimi Antonelli and Isack Hadjar of Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 Team impressed, securing seventh and eighth. Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team faced a front-right issue, finishing last.

Norris’ FP3 dominance positions him as a strong contender for pole position. Trailing Piastri by just 14 points in the championship, his consistent pace strengthens his title bid. Ferrari and Mercedes, with Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, remain formidable rivals. In-depth analysis suggests that ride-height optimization and tire strategy will be pivotal in qualifying.

Lando Norris’ ride-height adjustment propelled him to the top of FP3 at the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix, setting the stage for a thrilling qualifying session. As the championship battle intensifies, Norris’ momentum is key. Follow SPORTRIK for detailed analysis and the latest Formula 1 updates.