Lewis Hamilton will start the Mexican Grand Prix precisely where he needs to be – in front of title rival Max Verstappen. Verstappen still has the chance to use the tow to his advantage in the long drag to the first corner. Verstappen’s team-mate Sergio Perez, the darling of the 110,000-strong crowd, will start fourth. Yuki Tsunoda and Sergio Perez run off the track, compromising Verstappen’s lap and allowing Bottas to take pole in front of Hamilton. Hamilton was only 0.009 seconds faster than Verstappen in Q2 – not even a ciagarette paper between them. Verstappen goes quickest for now, but only just, with Hamilton (below) less than a tenth down. Verstappen (below) easily goes fastest ahead of Perez, who fans are delighted to see out near the front. Lance Stroll has lost the rear of his car coming out of the final corner, with his Aston Martin spitting him into the tyre barrier and back out on the track.

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