F1 Mexico City Grand Prix 2023 - As it happened

Verstappen, Leclerc, Sainz, Hamilton, Ricciardo, Piastri, Russell, Hulkenberg, Gasly, Zhou, Albon, Bottas, Magnussen, Sargeant, Stroll, Alonso, Ocon, Norris and Tsunoda.

OUT: Perez.

Hamilton is finally past Ricciardo into Turn 1. He's up to fourth, 2.1s off Sainz ahead.

"The car is running hot," he reports over team radio - he can't get close to Ricciardo.

Hamilton is now challenging Ricciardo for fourth but can't make the move into Turn 1. 

More angles on that contact between Perez and Leclerc #F1#MexicoGPpic.twitter.com/RFjDECfNco

— Formula 1 (@F1) October 29, 2023

A bit of Leclerc's front wing is on the track.

Verstappen is 2.1s clear of Leclerc, who is running with front wing damage.

Sainz, Ricciardo and Hamilton complete the top five.

DRAMA AT TURN 1!!!

Perez and Leclerc make contact 

Perez limps on but he is out of the race #F1#MexicoGPpic.twitter.com/CrkPKusLG7

— Formula 1 (@F1) October 29, 2023

What a disaster for the home hero. He's out of the race.

Verstappen, Leclerc, Sainz, Ricciardo, Hamilton, Piastri, Russell, Hulkenberg, Gasly and Zhou.

Perez is out of the race! Disaster for the Mexican. 

Leclerc has a broken front wing.

Verstappen leads...

Leclerc leads the pack away in Mexico... 

So that means it's now time for the Mexico national anthem!

"First we need to be one-two after Turn 3, this is our first challenge, for sure.

"And then Mexico it’s a lot about cooling for the brakes and the engine, and for sure if you are in clean air the race is much easier.

"The start will be a gamechanger for the race." 

Lights out getting closer and closer #F1#MexicoGPpic.twitter.com/u7XFU4KWpR

— Formula 1 (@F1) October 29, 2023

"I think having a good start is important around this place. Overtaking we know is really difficult, so overtaking at the start will be key. 

"From then on, let’s see what the tyres do." 

Here's how the grid is shaping up for the race start...