Ferrari closed qualifying on the 2025 Mexican Grand Prix with their finest results of the season: P2 for Charles Leclerc and P3 for Lewis Hamilton. The Maranello group displayed strong tempo and nice stability, however the race presents a number of challenges. Who will lead into Flip 1?
A powerful qualifying for Ferrari at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez
On the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Ferrari achieved its finest qualifying efficiency of the 2025 season. Charles Leclerc briefly touched pole place earlier than settling into P2, with Lewis Hamilton instantly behind him. The Maranello group had proven consistency since Friday, and their weekend has been on an upward trajectory. After the second follow session, Hamilton acknowledged the necessity to enhance single-lap tempo, and the qualifying consequence displays the group’s work to make sure each drivers might obtain the goal.
Yesterday’s end result have to be seen as a golden alternative to not waste. A podium end is inside attain, and the purpose just isn’t solely to duplicate their 2024 efficiency but additionally to shut the season with a minimum of one victory.
Race uncertainties that might outline Ferrari’s efficiency
The race brings a number of unknowns. The primary and most important is the beginning, which might unfold in a number of methods. There’s a lengthy straight resulting in Flip 1, and if Lando Norris unleashes the total potential of the McLaren MCL39, the benefit could also be decisive.
Nonetheless, the slipstream might make a distinction. Hamilton, beginning P3, might tuck in behind the McLaren and try an overtake, whereas Leclerc would possibly strive the identical tactic, letting Lando move after which chasing instantly. One other state of affairs for the Monegasque can be to run alongside, coming into Flip 1 collectively and seeing who reacts first. Warning is crucial to keep away from collisions, one thing not unknown at this primary Mexican nook.
Through the post-qualifying press convention, Lewis Hamilton set his goal, stating he desires to be aggressive initially and noting a key element: in contrast to Lando, he has nothing to lose. Because of this, the Ferrari drivers have an obligation to push, respecting the trouble of the Maranello group. Teamwork is essential, particularly on a monitor that may be unforgiving.
Thermal administration and excessive altitude challenges
As Fred Vasseur highlighted, the monitor’s excessive altitude makes cooling a central concern. Brakes and energy models will expertise important stress, and managing temperatures might be a relentless problem. Lewis Hamilton echoed this, explaining that almost all drivers are doubtless dealing with the identical concern, and warned that the race is not going to essentially be straightforward, notably with prime opponents behind them.
Ferrari’s golden alternative: capitalizing on Purple Bull and McLaren difficulties
Behind Ferrari, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri have encountered points with their vehicles. Each struggled with race tempo, and their prospects stay unsure if issues persist. Purple Bull examined a number of options, based on Max Verstappen, however none yielded outcomes. The Dutchman has but to search out positives, although he might get well in race trim. McLaren, alternatively, reveals two very totally different performances: Norris delivered a formidable lap in FP3 and qualifying, whereas Oscar Piastri struggles to search out the fitting route, just like Texas. Championship issues apart, he should discover tempo to compete.
Ferrari’s technique initially
Returning to Ferrari and contemplating the beginning, even when each drivers overtake #4 Norris, their path is probably not easy. Psychological techniques come into play: Charles has managed to carry Lando behind for lengthy stretches in gradual corners, as seen in Texas. Mexico Metropolis’s circuit, with its longer straights and fewer medium-speed corners than Texas, favors Ferrari. Lando Norris’s McLaren seems comfy on each Comfortable and Medium tyres.
Key to the beginning would be the slipstream. Potential duels might ignite the race, with Pirelli’s C2, C4, and C5 compounds doubtless in use, contemplating monitor temperatures reached 50°C in qualifying. Observing the highest three’s tyre decisions might be fascinating: final week, Ferrari differentiated methods, with Hamilton on the yellow Medium like Norris, and Leclerc on the crimson Comfortable. Charles’s determination to begin on Comfortable paid off initially however value him P2 to McLaren by the top.
Observe place initially stays essential. The impression is that each one three might select the C5 Comfortable for a extra aggressive method. Ferrari’s goal is obvious: convert their strong qualifying efficiency into tangible outcomes. The important thing would be the begin and thermal administration, however the group lastly has the chance to show that their constructive pattern is not any accident.
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