Charles Leclerc claimed a shock pole position on Saturday at the Mexican Grand Prix, as Ferrari stunned Red Bull by locking-out the front row of the grid.
The Maranello-based side showed little sign throughout free practice, Q1 and Q2 that they’d be a contender for pole; however, everything changed on Leclerc’s and Carlos Sainz’s final hot lap in Q3.
Both Leclerc and Sainz stormed to the front with their final lap in Q3, with Max Verstappen having had no answer.
Considering Verstappen topped all three practice sessions, this was completely against the script.
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What was expected was for traffic to be a huge problem at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, which it was to an extreme level.
Traffic is always an issue at the Mexican GP but Saturday was perhaps the worst it’s ever been.
In Q1, this was partly caused by Verstappen, who once again came to a complete halt at the end of the pit-lane.
It was an exact replica of what he was investigated for at the Singapore Grand Prix, something he received a reprimand for back at the Marina Bay Circuit.
Verstappen is under investigation for the incident, which most expect him to be penalised for, most likely with a grid drop.
Provisionally, though, the three-time World Champion will start from third.
It’s not just Verstappen who is being investigated for stopping in the pit-lane, as George Russell appeared to do the exact same immediately after the Dutchman.
A grid penalty would come as a huge blow to Russell in particular, as he could only salvage eighth in Q3.
Mercedes will be busy with the stewards as Lewis Hamilton is also under investigation for an incident in Q1.
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Right at the death of Q1, Fernando Alonso span on the exit of the third corner, resulting in a lengthy yellow flag.
Hamilton is being investigated for potentially speeding under the yellow flag, something which could also result in a grid penalty unless he can explain why he was going faster than he should.
Alonso is actually being investigated also for an incident in Q1, with him potentially having also driven to slowly in the first part of the chaotic session.