OFFICIAL GRID: Who sits where in Mexico City as Ocon takes pit-lane start

It’s a first for 2024 – Carlos Sainz starting from pole for Ferrari, after a blistering qualifying lap in Mexico City. Alongside him – somewhat unexpectedly, given his reduced practice running – is the Red Bull of championship leader Max Verstappen.

Applying the pressure from the second row will be another two firm contenders for the race win: McLaren’s Lando Norris and the sister Ferrari of Charles Leclerc. And it’s an all-Mercedes third row, with George Russell ahead of team mate Lewis Hamilton.

READ MORE: Sainz hails ‘almost perfect’ performance for Mexico pole as he vows to ‘finish the job’ with race win

Excellent Saturday outings from Haas’s Kevin Magnussen and Alpine’s Pierre Gasly mean they start seventh and eighth respectively, while completing the top ten we have the Williams of Alex Albon and the second Haas of Nico Hulkenberg.

READ MORE: The battle into Turn 1, and Perez and Piastri looking to fight back – What To Watch For in the Mexico City Grand Prix

Further back, the out-of-position names to note are McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in 17th and local hero Sergio Perez in 18th for Red Bull. And keep an eye out for a fast-starting Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin’s Spanish veteran starts 13th as he celebrates his milestone 400th Grand Prix weekend.

Finally, Esteban Ocon - who qualified 19th for Alpine - will start from the pit lane after the team opted to change power unit elements on his car.

The 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix starts at 1400 local time. Be sure to join our live coverage from 1300 here.