The Mexican Grand Prix is this upcoming weekend. Heading into the second week of a triple header, this race comes right after the United States Grand Prix. After last week’s race and no cool-off time for the drivers, the Mexican GP is already off to an exciting start. With the last-minute penalties and all the talk from the teams, we could be seeing an aggressive race.
The Mexican Grand Prix is held at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit in Mexico City, Mexico. The track is situated at an altitude of 2,285 meters above sea level. This makes the track heat up quicker. The race is made up of 71 laps with 17 turns in each lap. This track has a long history with Formula 1 having been an on-again/off-again feature on the schedule since 1962.
Lando Norris vs. Max Verstappen: Who will come out on top?
The Mexican Grand Prix is known for its wild turn 1. The first turn proves a notable overtaking opportunity which has caused many collisions. If Norris and Verstappen are on the front row again, we can expect to see another exciting first lap. Last year’s race ended with only 16 classified finishers.
🇲🇽| Get to know The Autódromo Hermanos Rodriguez as we head to Mexico City for round 20 of the 2024 season!#F1 #MexicoGP pic.twitter.com/aqvimWH4o8
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) October 23, 2024
A DNF from either of the top two contenders would heat the battle for the World Drivers’ Championship up as Norris is right behind Verstappen. Historically, Verstappen has faired better at the Mexican GP with three wins in the last three years. After last week’s race at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), could Norris be looking for revenge? If so, let’s hope it’s not a repeat of Austria where Norris has to retire the car.
Can Ferrari continue their dominance at the Mexican Grand Prix?
Even though Ferrari did not bring any upgrades to the United States Grand Prix, they still dominated the track. After Charles Leclerc gained the advantage on lap 1, Ferrari was able to walk home with a 1-2 as his teammate Carlos Sainz joined him on the podium. Can Ferrari continue their upward climb?
CHARLES LECLERC TAKES VICTORY IN TEXAS!
Sainz finishes in 2nd and Verstappen takes the final step on the podium#F1 #USGP pic.twitter.com/QvNVCN5XUJ
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) October 20, 2024
In the past few races, Ferrari have gotten their pitstops and strategy calls right. At the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez last year, many drivers were able to pit under the reg flag. This allowed them a “free pit” and a clean restart from the red flag. Since 2019, the lowest Leclerc has placed is 6th. Can Ferrari overtake Red Bull in the constructors this weekend?
Can the rookies continue their dominance in Mexico?
After Williams took a risk and dropped Logan Sargeant from their lineup, VCARB did the same. While Liam Lawson is not new to replacing Daniel Ricciardo, he is a new addition to the 2024 grid. At the US GP, he drove an incredible race that moved him from P19 to P9. This is his highest racing position yet. Lawson knows he has to prove himself to receive a seat for next year and that’s exactly what he is trying to do.
Liam Lawson equals his best race result with a P9 in Austin on his return to Formula 1!
An incredible drive from the Kiwi 🇳🇿#F1 #USGP pic.twitter.com/KmYmdlkrfh
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) October 20, 2024
Another rookie on the grid is Formula 2 driver, Franco Colapinto. Joining the grid at the Italian Grand Prix, it took Colapinto only two races to score points. He has yet to score outside of the top 15 with his lowest position being 12th. Sargeant’s highest position for this season was 14th.
Can Lawson and Colapinto keep the momentum up and continue scoring?
What are the weather predictions for the Mexican GP?
This weekend is expected to be a warm sunny weekend with little chance of rain. On Friday the 25th during Free Practice 1, the temperature is projected to be 20°C (68°F). As the day goes on, the heat rises and the sun beams down on the track. The expected temperature for Free Practice 2 is projected to be up to 22°C (72°F). With the track being at a higher altitude and in a warmer area, the drivers will have to work more on their tyre management.
¡Hola! Mexico! 🇲🇽
We’re SO ready for part two of our Americas triple header 🤩
VAMOS! 🙌#F1 #MexicoGP pic.twitter.com/SX8X8ACchc
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 23, 2024
The overall low in Mexico City this weekend is supposed to be 9°C (49°F). The high is projected to get up to 23°C (75°F). Luckily for the drivers and the mechanics, Sunday is forecasted to be partly cloudy. There is also a very small chance of rain (5%). Overall this weekend will be hard for everyone at the track as the cockpit, garages and stands will heat up quickly.
Who will be the tyre whisperer this weekend?
