The Components 1 World Championship strikes from the flat plains of Texas to the skinny air of Mexico Metropolis, the place Ferrari and staff principal Frédéric Vasseur will face one of the technically demanding occasions of the season — the 2025 Mexican Grand Prix on the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Set over 2,200 meters above sea stage, this circuit poses a singular problem each for the automobiles and for the drivers, because the excessive altitude and rarefied air have a serious impression on aerodynamics, cooling, and general efficiency.
For Ferrari, the weekend will probably be significantly noteworthy. As in earlier years, the staff will run three drivers throughout the occasion. Within the first free apply session (FP1), Antonio Fuoco — one of many main figures in Ferrari’s endurance program — will make his Components 1 weekend debut, stepping in for Lewis Hamilton. The change complies with the regulation that requires groups to provide not less than two FP1 classes per season to a younger driver with not more than two F1 race participations. Final 12 months, that chance was given to Oliver Bearman, who impressed the staff and the paddock along with his efficiency.
A high-altitude take a look at for Vasseur’s Ferrari
The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez sits at an altitude of two,285 meters, and this environmental issue closely influences how the single-seaters behave. The thinner air reduces aerodynamic effectivity, which means automobiles generate much less downforce, and on the identical time, it makes cooling tougher — particularly for key elements like the ability unit, brakes, and hybrid methods. Managing tire temperatures additionally turns into essential, as the mix of altitude and excessive monitor temperatures can rapidly result in overheating when drivers push the automotive to its limits.
The Mexican structure is thought for combining lengthy straights — together with one of many longest on the calendar — with gradual and technical sections that require excessive traction and stability. Braking zones are demanding, whereas the twisty center sector usually checks the automotive’s mechanical grip. Most groups are likely to favor a one-stop technique due to comparatively low tire degradation, however the altitude provides a layer of unpredictability. Pushing too exhausting could cause tire overheating or sudden put on, doubtlessly forcing a second pit cease and disrupting race technique.
Vasseur: “The important thing will probably be discovering the suitable steadiness”
Crew principal Frédéric Vasseur expressed satisfaction with the progress made by Ferrari in latest weeks however emphasised the distinctive challenges that await the staff at excessive altitude.
“In Austin, due to a wonderful staff effort and the continued help from everybody at Maranello, we managed to ship one in all our strongest weekends of the season,” mentioned Fred Vasseur. “It’s essential that we preserve this stage of focus and willpower as we method the ultimate stretch of the championship.”
Waiting for the race in Mexico, Fred Vasseur defined that this spherical presents utterly completely different technical circumstances in comparison with the USA Grand Prix. “The primary issue right here is the altitude,” he continued. “It impacts each side of the automotive — from cooling and energy unit efficiency to aerodynamics and tire administration. The important thing will probably be discovering the suitable steadiness between all these components to optimize the automotive’s potential all through the weekend.”
With Antonio Fuoco’s debut including additional curiosity and the staff persevering with to refine its SF-25 package deal, Ferrari will goal to keep up its momentum because the 2025 season enters its closing stretch. The Mexican Grand Prix has traditionally been unpredictable, and with the mix of excessive altitude, skinny air, and a passionate crowd, it may supply a possibility for Ferrari to capitalize on its latest kind and shut the hole to Mercedes.
Let different Scuderia Followers find out about us
