Lewis Hamilton has hailed his best qualifying result of the 2025 Formula 1 season as a “huge step” for both himself and Ferrari ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix. After a challenging season marked by tough races and adaptation to his new team, the seven-time world champion secured third place on the grid, a performance he described as a reward for persistence and hard work.

Ferrari’s Strong Showing in Mexico City

The qualifying session in Mexico City saw Ferrari dominate the top positions, with Charles Leclerc finishing second fastest and Lewis Hamilton in third. Lando Norris of McLaren claimed pole position, showcasing a strong pace ahead of Sunday’s race.

This marks the first time in the 2025 season that Ferrari has had both cars in the top three during qualifying, an achievement that Hamilton said reflects the team’s relentless efforts and growing competitiveness.

“Definitely happy to be making progress and finally be up there,” Hamilton said. “Charles has been used to these results, being close to the front most of the year, but for me it has been a hard slog, mostly finishing sixth, seventh, or eighth. So to get P3 is a huge step for us.”

Hamilton Reflects on a Challenging Season

Hamilton joined Ferrari from Mercedes last winter, and while his career boasts 105 race wins, he has yet to achieve victory with the Italian team. Despite the struggles, he remains positive about the progress Ferrari has made, particularly after the recent qualifying performance.

“The team truly deserve it. We are working as hard as we can, and I’m super grateful to everyone in this team for continuing to push and not give up,” Hamilton added.

For the 40-year-old, starting third provides a strategic advantage. Historically, three of the past five Mexican Grands Prix have been won from third place, giving Hamilton hope that he can finally add another victory to his illustrious career.

Race Prospects: Can Hamilton Challenge Norris?

While Lando Norris secured a commanding pole position, Hamilton is optimistic about making up ground in the race. He acknowledged that his grid position on the “dirty” inside line could be challenging but remains determined to be aggressive on Sunday.

“P3 is not a bad position to start here, so I’ll be quite aggressive, and I want to move forwards,” Hamilton said.

Ferrari’s resurgence in qualifying adds an exciting dynamic to the Mexico City Grand Prix. Fans will be watching closely to see whether Hamilton can convert his strong starting position into his first win for Ferrari, while also testing McLaren’s pace with Norris.

Looking Ahead: Ferrari and Hamilton in the 2025 F1 Season

Hamilton’s breakthrough qualifying highlights a turning point in a difficult 2025 season for Ferrari, showing promise for the remaining races. With both cars in strong positions, the team will aim to capitalize on their momentum and deliver strong results in Mexico City and beyond.

For fans of Formula 1, this weekend promises intense action, as Hamilton, Leclerc, and Norris battle it out on one of the sport’s most challenging circuits.