Hamilton’s hopes of sixth title in Mexico dim after poor practice

Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Sat, 26 Oct 2019 07:00:55 +0000

MEXICO CITY (AFP) – Lewis Hamilton’s hopes of wrapping up his sixth drivers world title this weekend dimmed on Friday when he languished in fifth place behind Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari after second free practice at the Mexican Grand Prix.

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, Pool)

LEWIS Hamilton. (AP)

After topping the times in the opening session, the defending five-time champion was unable to resist the pace of his main rivals as four-time champion Vettel delivered a best lap in one minute and 16.607 seconds.

On an overcast but warm day at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, the outright pace of the Ferraris ruled on the main straight with Max Verstappen, winner of the last two Mexican races for Red Bull, also showing competitive pace.

The Dutchman was second, just one-tenth down on Vettel, but four-tenths ahead of Charles Leclerc with Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate — and only remaining title rival — Valtteri Bottas fourth ahead of the champion-elect.

Daniil Kvyat was sixth ahead of his Toro Rosso team-mate Pierre Gasly, Carlos Sainz of McLaren, Nico Hulkenberg of Renault and Lando Norris in the second McLaren.

The session was supported by a big crowd and delivered plenty of incident including a 15-minute red-flagged interruption when Red Bull new boy Alex Albon lost control of his car and hi
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