The tire compounds
As was the case in Austin final weekend, the Mexican spherical will characteristic a step in tire choice between the toughest and the medium compound. Whereas the Medium and Gentle are the C4 and C5, as in 2024, the Onerous will now be the C2. For the Mexico Metropolis circuit, that is an especially conservative alternative, with a notable lap-time delta in comparison with the opposite two compounds, and providing much less grip.
Final 12 months, the Gentle was used solely in qualifying after which within the race when drivers aimed to safe the additional level for the quickest lap, however this 12 months’s situation may very well be considerably completely different. The benefit offered by the C4 and C5 may lead groups to focus on a race primarily utilizing these compounds. Nevertheless, this technique carries the danger of a second pit cease as a result of degradation. Those that go for the C2 could comfortably handle an extended stint, aiming for a single cease earlier than the end, though at the price of lowered efficiency.
Using the 2 softer compounds can be fastidiously evaluated through the three follow periods, the place groups can run lengthy stints with full gas hundreds to evaluate tire situations. Traditionally, graining ranges in Mexico are pronounced as a result of the high-altitude skinny air reduces the quantity of aerodynamic load the automobiles can generate. On a observe that already gives restricted grip as a result of its comparatively low utilization, tires have a tendency to slip, inflicting graining. It can even be fascinating to see if the larger resistance to this phenomenon provided by the present compounds helps mitigate it, benefiting groups expert in tire administration.
A glance again
All drivers besides Sergio Pérez adopted a one-stop technique final 12 months, with most beginning on Medium tires, whereas six drivers, all ending exterior the highest 11, selected Onerous tires for the primary stint. The best technique, each theoretically and confirmed on observe, proved to be Medium-Onerous. No distinctive tire administration abilities had been wanted to increase the stint on Mediums, which usually confirmed solely minor graining and really restricted degradation. The longest stint on Medium tires was 39 laps by Oscar Piastri, whereas Onerous tires lasted as much as 49 laps with Valtteri Bottas.
The observe
The circuit measures 4.304 kilometers, with the race scheduled over 71 laps. The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez options 17 corners, and its essential attribute is the altitude: over 2,200 meters above sea degree makes the air very skinny. In consequence, automobiles generate much less downforce, creating explicit challenges for groups by way of automobile setup and technical administration.
The principle straight stretches over 1.2 kilometers, permitting automobiles to achieve very excessive prime speeds, partly as a result of minimal aerodynamic load. The observe floor may be very easy and gives restricted grip firstly of the weekend as a result of it’s not closely used. Subsequently, over the three days, rubber builds up, which improves lap occasions. Drivers should additionally keep away from locking the wheels underneath braking, as tire floor temperatures drop shortly alongside the 2 lengthy straights. Because of its uncommon format, that is additionally the circuit the place drivers change gears the least.
Historic highlights
Named in reminiscence of the Rodríguez brothers, the circuit has hosted 24 editions of the Grand Prix, twenty of them underneath the “Mexican Grand Prix” title beginning in 1963, and the final 4 underneath the title of the nation’s capital. Max Verstappen is probably the most profitable driver at this observe, which explains why Purple Bull is among the many groups with probably the most wins right here, totaling 5 (2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2023).
To search out the motive force with probably the most pole positions, one should return to the Sixties, when Jim Clark within the Lotus claimed 4 poles between 1963 and 1967. The final two poles had been secured by Ferrari, due to Charles Leclerc in 2023 and Carlos Sainz in 2024. Final 12 months’s race was additionally the final Grand Prix victory for the Spanish driver, now racing for Williams. The Mexican spherical has been notably important for Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, who celebrated his 2017 and 2018 world titles right here and holds the file for probably the most podiums at this race, with six.
On the Mexican podium
For this race, the Pirelli cap includes a shiny inexperienced base embellished with golden embroidery, reflecting the inexperienced of the flag, the gold of triumph, and the purple of the capital’s beating coronary heart. It’s a particular version produced by Pirelli Design with inventive enter from designer Denis Dekovic and is already out there for followers on Pirelli’s web site.
