In a thrilling buildup to the Mexico City Grand Prix, Max Verstappen showcased remarkable speed by topping both practice sessions, with Charles Leclerc finishing strong in first practice. However, concerns linger for Verstappen and Red Bull regarding their race pace despite their practice performance. Oscar Piastri of McLaren struggled to find his footing, finishing 12th in both sessions, as his team voiced issues with car balance. The practice sessions attracted attention due to the participation of nine rookies, marking a significant moment in F1 as former champions offered insights on the dynamics of the sessions. With mixed fortunes in the lead-up to the race, teams are gearing up for an exciting qualifying round.