F1 Mexico Grand Prix LIVE: Lap-by-lap updates as Carlos Sainz starts on pole ahead of Max Verstappen and title rival Lando Norris

Carlos Sainz starts on pole position today and if he comes out of turn one cleanly then it will be very hard for McLaren or Red Bull to catch him.

Ferrari have continued their blistering race pace throughout practice and qualifying in Mexico after Charles Leclerc dominated to win in Texas last time out.

He starts in fourth and will be quickly hot on the heels of Norris ahead of him.

This is an incredible day for Fernando Alonso as well with the grid’s oldest driver celebrating his 400th race – and doesn’t have any plans of slowing down!

The Aston Martin ace starts in 13th today and his immediate target is to get amongst the points positions quickly.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Alonso said pre-race: ‘Quite emotional when you reach such a number.

‘I am enjoying every lap of this wekend and the last two seasons with Aston Martin, an incredible team.

‘I’m ready for 50 more races over the next two years.’

He might be right down near the back of the grid in 18th but Sergio Perez is the most popular man in Mexico City right now as the local star returns to what he describes as the ‘best crowd in the world’.

The Mexican has endured a very difficult season and this could very well be his final year with Red Bull. Could he pull off a shock from the back with home support roaring him on? Let’s find out!

Wow the crowd – and drivers – are certainly being treated to some stunning pre-race scenes in Mexico City with a brilliant show of colour and dance on display.

The drivers arrived in style on the back of an array of classic and stunning super cars while songs and traditional Mexican dance created a party-like atmosphere.

Hopefully the drivers will be able to find their focus amidst the carnival chaos.

We’ll be getting underway here at 8pm with Carlos Sainz continuing Ferrari’s run of pack leadership after finishig one-two winners in Texas last weekend.

Sainz starts on pole just ahead of Max Verstappen, with Norris in third and you have to fancy him making a dart up the inside of his title rival down to the first corner here.

Oh dear this looked painful for Lando Norris as he was caught low in a playful pre-race piece of banter with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz.

Just check it out below and you’ll get the full picture!

Hello, good evening and thank you for joining us for a massive Mexico GP as we begin to enter the final round of races with Max Verstappen and Lando Norris going tyre-to-tyre for the world championship title!