Lewis Hamilton finished just 0.142 seconds off the pace in opening practice for the Mexican Grand Prix – as Carlos Sainz led Charles Leclerc in a Ferrari one-two. Seven-time world champion Hamilton, who earlier this week wrote off his chances of winning a race this season, finished fifth. Hamilton revealed for the first time on Thursday that he is ready to extend his Formula One career beyond his 40th birthday. Hamilton heads into Sunday’s round facing a race against time to ensure his record of winning at least one race in each year he has competed remains intact. And the British driver finished behind both Ferraris and Red Bulls in the opening running of the weekend to suggest he faces another tall order to challenge for top spot.

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