Liam Lawson fastest rookie in Mexico City free practice

Liam Lawson was the fastest rookie as he returned to AlphaTauri for free practice in Mexico City.

Liam Lawson suits up for AlphaTauri in Mexico City. (Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool)

The Kiwi completed 19 laps of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez before a mechanical issue took him out in the final minutes of the session.

“It’s been great to be back on track with Scuderia AlphaTauri after my last shot out in Spa," said Lawson.

"This time we played a bit more with set-up changes, as the more I drive the car the more accurate feedback I can give."

"Due to the Pirelli test in FP2 we saved a set of tyres for that, so I only ran on one set, which I believe most the juniors did today."

Lawson was the fastest junior, sixteenth on the overall timing sheets ahead of Logan Sargeant, Nyck de Vries, Jack Doohan, and Pietro Fittipaldi.

With rookie drivers generally limited to one set of tyres due to the upcoming Pirelli tyre test, AlphaTauri's opening session in Mexico City was focused on technical development, with Lawson running aero tests.

"He got quickly up to speed and was setting competitive lap times even against the experienced drivers," said Jonathan Eddolls, Chief Race Engineer.

"It’s a really interesting circuit," said Lawson.

"I’d been on the sim a lot obviously, but when I first drove it was quite eye opening, there’s very low grip and it’s extremely slippery, especially through some of the high-speed areas."

"Driving through the stadium though was crazy, the atmosphere is incredible, even when I had to stop the car there, they were all cheering."

"Sadly, we had to stop because we had a loss of pressure."

"However, I was able to complete most the session anyway, so it didn’t impact too much.”

Lawson is expected to complete a further free practice session with Red Bull at one of the three remaining races this year.