F1 qualifying live updates, results, starting grid for 2023 Mexican Grand Prix as Max Verstappen chases pole

If Max Verstappen wants to boost his chances of setting a new record 16th race win in an F1 season this weekend, he knows a strong qualifying session today will put him in good stead.

Then again, he managed to come from sixth on the grid in Austin, Texas last weekend to match his own record of 15 race wins with the three-time world champion continuing his dominant season.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and McLaren’s Lando Norris locked out the front row last time out and both drivers will be pushing the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz for pole position once again.

Fans trackside will of course be hoping Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez can deliver the goods with the Mexican driver keen to put on a good show for his adoring supporters.

The Sporting News is following qualifying live and providing updates below.

WATCH: Stream the Mexican Grand Prix on ESPN+ in the U.S.

F1 grid, qualifying times for Mexican Grand Prix

The Sporting News will update this table as and when drivers drop out of qualifying. 

* Eliminated after Q2

** Eliminated after Q1

F1 qualifying live updates, results from the Mexican Grand Prix

Q2 is underway! Verstappen and Russell will be looked at for stopping in the pit lane while Alonso is being investigated for impeding. Hamilton and Sargeant have been noted by the stewards for failing to slow under a yellow flags.

END OF Q1: A yellow flag courtesy of an Alonso spin brings up a chaotic ending. Here’s who’s out:

• Ocon
• Magnussen
• Stroll
• Norris
• Sargeant 

1 min left of Q1: “The tyres are completely gone,” says Albon over the team radio. It’s not looking good. Ocon, Stroll and Magnussen are all in the danger zone.

3 mins left of Q1: Sargeant has his lap time deleted for exceeding track limits. Norris is out on softs and in need of a quick time… but his first effort is only food enough for 19th! Teammate Piastri goes second fastest behind leader Verstappen.

7 mins left of Q1: Albon’s going slower than what we saw in fine practice and needs to find another gear or risk some early disappointment. He’s currently 13th fastest. Norris is yet to set a time too.

10 mins left of Q1: It’s the third shortest lap of the year after Monaco and Brazil here so we’ll see some quick lap times. Red Bull lead the top two spots so far and Hamilton is third fastest on the medium tyres. Piastri is on the radio admitting he’s having a few problems early on.

Start of Q1: We’re underway!

5 mins to start of qualifying: Nearly time for lights out. Plenty of Mexico flags in the stands… not sure if that will help calm Perez’s nerves or put extra pressure on him!

20 mins to start of qualifying: Whatever happens in qualifying, Ferrari will be hoping it results in a better outcome than FP3.

A frustrating first practice saw Charles Leclerc back out of his qualifying session when he encountered a slow-moving Kevin Magnussen on the racing line, while Carlos Sainz spun when trying to avoid a slow Lance Stroll in the same spot.

Leclerc came in 13th and Sainz 15th… plenty of room for improvement!

40 mins to start of qualifying: Unsurprisingly, Verstappen came out on top in final practice a few hours ago but there was a surprise package in Alex Albon.

The Williams driver finished second — only 0.07 seconds behind the three-time world champion — that will give him plenty of confidence going into qualifying.

Home favourite Sergio Perez finished third with Mercedes’ George Russell, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas all following in behind. Lewis Hamilton was only 10th fastest.

Someone cooked here… 🧑‍🍳

Alex Albon shows his speed to post the second-fastest time in FP3 👏#MexicoGP #F1 @alex_albon pic.twitter.com/pIUoFjsbxM

— Formula 1 (@F1) October 28, 2023

1 hour to start of qualifying: Hello and welcome to The Sporting News’ live coverage of the Mexican Grand Prix qualifying. Last week’s qualifying session was poor by Max Verstappen’s standards as he finished sixth — not that it mattered come race day on Sunday — and he’ll be hoping to return to the front row today.

F1 2023 schedule: What time is the Mexican Grand Prix?

What channel is F1 on this weekend?

F1 Mexican Grand Prix 2023 TV channel

F1 Mexican Grand Prix 2023 live stream

WATCH: F1’s Mexican Grand Prix live in the U.S. with Fubo (free trial)