It's a first for 2024 – Carlos Sainz starts from pole for Ferrari after a fast qualifying lap in Mexico City. At his side – somewhat unexpectedly given his reduced training schedule – is championship leader Max Verstappen's Red Bull.

The pressure from the second row will be exerted by two other strong contenders for race victory: Lando Norris from McLaren and Charles Leclerc's sister Ferrari. And it's an all-Mercedes line-up on the third row, with George Russell ahead of his teammate Lewis Hamilton.

READ MORE: Sainz praises 'near perfect' performance for Mexico's pole and promises to 'finish the job' with race win.

Excellent Saturday outings from Haas' Kevin Magnussen and Alpine's Pierre Gasly mean they start seventh and eighth respectively, while the top ten is completed by Alex Albon's Williams and Nico Hulkenberg's second Haas.

READ MORE: The battle at Turn 1 and Perez and Piastri looking to fight back – What to watch out for at the Mexico City Grand Prix

Further back, McLaren's Oscar Piastri in 17th and local hero Sergio Perez in 18th for Red Bull. And look out for a fast-starting Fernando Alonso – the Spanish Aston Martin veteran starts 13th and celebrates his 400th Grand Prix weekend.

Finally, Esteban Ocon – who qualified 19th for Alpine – will start from the pit lane after the team decided to replace the engine elements on his car.