By Basant El-Faramawy
Formula 1 returns to the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez for the Mexican Grand Prix, round 19 of the 2026 season, with Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli poised to secure the world championship. The 20-year-old Italian holds a commanding 123-point lead over teammate George Russell and a 124-point advantage over Lewis Hamilton after his victory in Austin.
Starting grid
Lewis Hamilton claimed pole position for Ferrari, lining up ahead of Russell (Mercedes), Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), and Antonelli (Mercedes). Max Verstappen (Red Bull) starts fifth but carries a one-place grid drop following a practice clash, while Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) was disqualified from qualifying and will start last. The full 22-car grid sees Sergio Perez return to his home race for Cadillac after signing a new contract this week.
Championship implications
Antonelli will be crowned champion if he finishes ninth or higher on Sunday. Should he fall outside the points, Russell or Hamilton must win the race to keep the title fight alive until the Brazilian Grand Prix. Antonelli dominated the previous round in Texas, while Hamilton missed the podium and Russell recovered to eighth after an early penalty.
Driver standings
Antonelli leads the drivers' championship with 365 points, followed by Russell (242), Hamilton (241), Verstappen (236), and Leclerc (233). Lando Norris sits sixth with 211 points, while Oscar Piastri, Isack Hadjar, and Liam Lawson round out the top ten.
Constructor standings
Mercedes tops the constructors' table with 607 points, well clear of Ferrari (474). Red Bull and McLaren are tied on 355 points, with Racing Bulls (102) and Alpine (69) further back. Cadillac, fielding Perez and Valtteri Bottas, have yet to score.
Race schedule and broadcast
The Mexican Grand Prix starts at 8:00 pm GMT on Sunday, 1 November. In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports will broadcast live from 6:30 pm BST, with streaming via Sky Go. U.S. viewers can watch every session on Apple TV, which offers a seven-day free trial. International viewers may require a VPN to access their home streaming services.
