F1 Today | Ferrari claim shock pole position and potential penalties

Many would've expected Max Verstappen to be starting from the front of the grid tomorrow, as he's been the dominant force in F1 this season. Instead, after a surprising Saturday in Mexico, we're reflecting on a Ferrari front row and potential penalties for Verstappen and other major names. In F1 Today, we round up the biggest news stories in the world of Formula 1 over the last 24 hours.

Ferrari shock everyone by taking pole

It's the main topic of the day; Ferrari shocking the rest of the grid and taking the front row for the Mexican Grand Prix. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz placed themselves in the top two on their first flying laps, but gave Verstappen a chance for pole, as they couldn't best their own times. However, the Red Bull driver could not deliver when he needed to and Ferrari were the last to laugh, claiming their second pole position in a row.

Leclerc was visibly shocked but happy and had this to say: "First place here, I’m not sure it's the best starting place, but anyway, that's fine. I'm happy. I'll take that pole position, I'm really happy with today and now let's as I said finalise it tomorrow." See Charles Leclerc's full reaction to his qualifying performance here.

Prior to the Scuderia stealing the headlines, the major story as the hour went on was Lando Norris exiting in Q1 and finishing last of the drivers with a lap time. If it wasn't for Sargeant finishing with a DNF, the Brit would have been the lowest-placed finisher in qualifying. The Brit didn't blame anyone but himself, however, it will be interesting to see how far he can move through the field in the race.

Blocking penalties could be on the cards

It's going to be a busy Saturday evening for the drivers, stewards, media and fans as numerous investigations are taking place for multiple infractions caused by multiple drivers! Firstly, when exiting the pit lane, you are not allowed to hold up other cars unnecessarily. Verstappen, George Russell and Fernando Alonso all reportedly did this, so a grid penalty may be on the cards for the trio.

Lewis Hamilton and Logan Sargeant allegedly did not slow down enough during a yellow flag in Q1. Sargeant allegedly even overtook Yuki Tsunoda under the flagged conditions and is also under investigation for that.

It does not stop there, however, as Lando Norris, Guanyu Zhou and again Russell may also have to report to the stewards. The three drivers are said to have exceeded the maximum lap time. Prior to the weekend, the FIA communicated a maximum lap time to ensure no unnecessary slow driving across the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Perez to stay for a decade at Red Bull?

Finally, Sergio Perez's father has decided to try and end all the rumours circulating about his son's future, by saying: "This is the best relationship with a teammate Checo has ever had in his career in Formula 1. Checo will certainly drive for another 10 years with Max in the same team and in these 10 years, Checo may win a world championship." Could this be a plot to try and divert all the negative attention off Checo at his home Grand Prix? Who knows! See all the conversation from Dr Helmut Marko's recollection here.