McLaren finish top in final practicepublished at 19:42 British Summer Time
Andrew Benson
BBC F1 correspondent
Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris made it a McLaren one-two in final practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
McLaren dominated the session - Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was 0.340 seconds off the pace and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen fourth quickest, 0.511secs behind Piastri.
Piastri, whose car does not have a new front wing and floor that Norris does, was 0.059secs ahead of the Briton.
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton was fifth quickest ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who was quick through the session but seemed not to nail a good lap on new tyres at the end.
McLaren’s pace, if it translates to qualifying, is what Norris needs as he seeks to close Verstappen’s 57-point lead at the top of the championship.
Norris needs to close on the Dutchman by an average of just under 12 points a race over the remaining five grands prix if he is to win the championship.
McLaren have already agreed that Piastri will help Norris’ title bid if the circumstances arise.
Verstappen appeared to be struggling in the Red Bull, saying over the radio: “This doesn’t work. There is no grip front and rear.”