News Summary

Lewis Hamilton delivered an emotional message after securing his first pole position for Ferrari at the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix on Saturday (31), declaring that his passion for Formula 1 remains as strong as ever despite the difficulties he has experienced in recent seasons. The seven-time world champion ended a 1,197-day wait for pole position by beating George Russell by just 0.009s at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

“Oh man, I’m lost for words,” Hamilton admitted after climbing out of his Ferrari.

The British driver described the weekend as particularly challenging, referring to the power unit problem that interrupted his running during Friday’s second practice session. Nevertheless, he managed to recover and deliver a decisive lap when it mattered most.

Hamilton celebrates perseverance after first Ferrari pole

Hamilton’s pole came more than three years after his previous qualifying triumph at the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix.

The result was also his 105th career pole position and first since joining Ferrari in 2025, extending his all-time Formula 1 record.

Asked about the significance of achieving the milestone at 41, Hamilton emphasised the importance of determination and mental strength.

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” he said.

The Briton explained that maintaining belief in his abilities had been essential throughout the difficult periods of his career. Despite the setbacks, he continues to approach racing with the same ambition that motivated him earlier in Formula 1.

Hamilton also made clear that his enthusiasm for the sport has not diminished.

“I love what I do,” he declared.

He added that he continues to dream about what he can achieve in Formula 1, even after winning seven world championships and establishing numerous records.

The pole also made Hamilton the fifth-oldest driver to secure pole position in Formula 1 history, at 41 years, 9 months and 24 days.

Hamilton thanks fans and hopes to deliver Ferrari victory

Hamilton also highlighted the support he receives from fans around the world, explaining that their encouragement remains one of his greatest sources of motivation.

The Ferrari driver said he hoped his supporters were celebrating the pole position and expressed his determination to give them another reason to celebrate in Sunday’s race.

His achievement was particularly meaningful after a Ferrari power unit problem forced him to stop during Friday’s FP2.

The setback had cost Hamilton valuable preparation time, while teammate Charles Leclerc led both Friday practice sessions.

However, the British driver recovered to secure pole with a 1:16.514, beating Russell’s 1:16.523. Leclerc completed the top three with a 1:16.633.

The result gives Hamilton the opportunity to pursue his first Grand Prix victory for Ferrari from the front of the grid.

It also comes as Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli approaches the 2026 world championship, with the Italian needing ninth place or better on Sunday to guarantee the title.

GRANDE PRÊMIO is following every session of the Mexican Grand Prix this weekend, with breaking news, full coverage and real-time updates in its Formula 1 section.