After crashing heavily in second practise on Friday, Leclerc admitted he was taking things "step by step" in order to rebuild his confidence.
Max Verstappen was fastest in the first two sectors of his final flying lap but crashed in the final corner after an unfortunate lock up.
McLaren only scored two points, allowing Ferrari to maintain their third-place position in the constructors' championship.
The Brazil GP saw Lewis Hamilton pick up an impressive win and reduce the deficit in the championship race against Max Verstappen.
The Mexican GP 2021 saw Max Verstappen establish a 19-point lead over Lewis Hamilton. Let us look at the major takeaways from the F1 race.
Ferrari's extra horsepower could be crucial in the team's bid to overtake McLaren for third place in the constructors' championship.
From second on the grid, Hamilton had a fantastic start off the line in Austin but Verstappen made a strong comeback and went on to win the race.
Lewis Hamilton was actually fastest on the day and won qualifying, but he will start from 11th due to a 10-place grid penalty.
Sainz was one of the stars of the Russian Grand Prix weekend, qualifying second and racing to third after taking the lead early on.
Witnesses at the Italian Grand Prix recalled Binotto and Leclerc arguing heatedly in the team garage earlier this month.