George Russell (left) and Lewis Hamilton are the two drivers who can prevent Kimi Antonelli sealing the world title this weekend
Lewis Hamilton has claimed his first pole position for Ferrari and his first for more than three years at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
The seven-time champion beat Mercedes' George Russell by 0.009 seconds as the two drivers who can potentially stop Kimi Antonelli clinching the world title on Sunday locked out the front row.
Antonelli qualified fifth behind Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Red Bull's Max Verstappen, but will start fourth because of a one-place penalty for the Dutchman.
The only way Antonelli can be prevented from winning the title is if Russell wins and the Italian finishes lower than ninth, or if Hamilton wins and Antonelli is out of the points.
Hamilton's pole is his first since the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix, three years and three months ago, and the 105th of his career.
He is the oldest driver to secure a pole since Mario Andretti for Ferrari at the 1982 Italian Grand Prix.
He and Russell both went out early for their first runs and had to watch as their rivals sought and failed to beat them.
Leclerc went first, falling short of Hamilton by 0.119secs. Antonelli was never on target but Verstappen was fastest of all after two sectors and on course to take pole.
But the Dutchman locked up into the hairpin in the stadium section and ruined his lap.
"Oh man, I'm lost for words," said Hamilton. "It's been a really challenging weekend - we had the engine issue yesterday, which meant we were on the back foot and didn't do a long run.
"We've done a really good job on the setup and to have pole here, wow, it feels special. It's my first pole for Ferrari, and 105th, I like that number."
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