Lewis Hamilton lays down a big marker for Nico Rosberg

Hamilton is 26 points adrift of his Mercedes teammate.

World champion Lewis Hamilton laid down the gauntlet to Nico Rosberg by emphatically beating his title rival in opening practice for the Mexican Grand Prix.

Hamilton heads into Sunday's race - the first of three remaining grands prix - 26 points adrift of his Mercedes team-mate with only 75 to play for.