Mexico City, Mexico – In a shocking turn of events during the qualifying session for the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix, both McLaren and Red Bull Racing found themselves unexpectedly eliminated in Q1, leaving fans and pundits alike in disbelief. The high-altitude challenge of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez played a significant role in reshaping the grid, setting the stage for a dramatic race ahead.

The opening round of qualifying saw fierce competition, with drivers battling for every fraction of a second on the circuit. As the clock ticked down, it became clear that several top teams were struggling to find their rhythm. 

Both McLaren drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, faced difficulties from the outset, failing to make the cut as they could not secure a lap time fast enough to progress. This marked a significant setback for the team, especially considering their strong performance in recent races. Norris’s frustration was palpable as he expressed disbelief at the turn of events. “We just couldn’t find the pace today. It’s really disappointing for the team, especially after how we’ve been performing this season,” he said.

However, the biggest shock came when both Red Bull Racing drivers, Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez, were also unable to advance past Q1. Verstappen, who had been a dominant force throughout the season, struggled with tire management and grip, finishing the session in 16th place. Pérez, facing additional pressure as the local favorite, ended up in 15th position after a series of errors. “It’s a tough day for us. We expected to be in a better position,” Pérez commented, visibly frustrated with the outcome.

With the two powerhouse teams eliminated early, it opened the door for other drivers to capitalize on the situation. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz took advantage of the opportunity, securing positions at the top of the time sheets with impressive laps. Leclerc clocked the fastest time of the session, showcasing Ferrari’s resurgence in form. “It feels great to be at the front. The car was working well, and I’m excited for tomorrow,” Leclerc remarked.

Alpine’s Esteban Ocon also put in a strong performance, finishing in the top five and ensuring a solid starting position for the race. Meanwhile, Haas and Alfa Romeo drivers showed resilience, managing to qualify higher than expected, adding to the mix of intrigue for the race.

The surprising outcomes in Q1 have set the stage for what promises to be an unpredictable race at the Mexican Grand Prix. With both McLaren and Red Bull starting from the back of the grid, strategies will play a crucial role in their pursuit of points.

Fans are eagerly anticipating how the top teams will navigate through the field, and whether they can capitalize on the mistakes of others. Additionally, the stakes are high for teams looking to secure valuable points as the season approaches its conclusion.

The 2024 Mexican Grand Prix qualifying session delivered an unexpected twist as both McLaren and Red Bull Racing faced elimination in Q1. With Ferrari and other mid-field teams seizing the opportunity, race day is set to be filled with excitement and drama. As teams prepare for the challenge ahead, the motorsport world is abuzz with anticipation for what could be a race for the ages. Stay tuned for live coverage and updates as the action unfolds!