Already after the first free practice, two drivers were penalized in Mexico

Valtteri Bottas received a 50-place grid penalty for replacing his entire Ferrari power unit, likely starting from the last position. Gabriel Bortoleto also faces a 5-place penalty due to replacing control electronics, marking his sixth new unit. Other drivers like Arvid Lindblad, Liam Lawson, and Nico Hülkenberg received new power units without penalties. Charles Leclerc was the fastest in the first practice session, followed by Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who could become champion with a strong performance.