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Formula 1

Hamilton in title reckoning after claiming pole in Mexico

Lewis Hamilton took pole position at the Mexican Grand Prix ahead of his Mercedes team-mate and championship rival Nico Rosberg.

Nico Rosberg greets his Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton at the end of the qualifying session at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City.
Nico Rosberg greets his Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton at the end of the qualifying session at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City. Ulises Ruiz Basurto/Reuters
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The defending three-time world champion dominated the session as he delivered the best time that was two-tenths of a second ahead of Rosberg who claimed the second spot on the last lap of the qualifying session.

This was Hamilton’s 10th pole of the season and 59th of his career.

Hamilton would be hoping to convert his pole into yet another win and keep up the pressure on Rosberg, who is 26 points ahead in the championship with three races remaining.

On the other hand, if the German emerges triumphant in Mexico City and Hamilton scores just one point or fewer then Rosberg will be world champion for the first time.

“It's always so tough trying to pull out the perfect laps when it matters,” Hamilton said.

Despite missing out on claiming the top spot, Rosberg was glad to start on the front row.

“I’m not on pole, but I have a chance from there. I don't know why I have struggled to tune in the car, but I am there now,” he commented.

Red Bull Racing’s teenage driver Max Verstappen was third ahead of his team-mate Daniel Ricciardo.

Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg snatched fifth place on the last lap ahead of Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen and four-time champion Sebastian Vettel.

Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa of Williams were eighth and ninth ahead of Toro Rosso’s Carlos Sainz.

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