Mexican Grand Prix – Presentation and editorial predictions

A modernized circuit for the comfort of spectators.

For his return in 2015, it was once again Hermann Tilke who left his mark.

If he has preserved the spirit of the original layout well, he has managed to introduce a new series of turns towards the end of the course. And this, much to the delight of the spectators.

Indeed, a stadium, inspired by what has been done in Hockenheim, surrounds this technical sequence.

This is how drivers can feel more than anywhere else the fervor of the public, and conversely, the public is placed in large numbers closest to the action.

Regarding the layout, it is rather fast, and mixes long straight sections interspersed with chicanes and sequences of slower and more technical corners.

A high-altitude route, a source of complications for the engineers.

The particular point of this meeting is that it takes place at an altitude, precisely at 2,285m. The Hermanos Rodriguez circuit is therefore the highest on the calendar and requires specific adjustments.

The atmospheric pressure being lower than on the usual low-altitude paths, the effects of aerodynamics are different. With lower air density, the single-seaters more easily reach their maximum speed while keeping their wings angled. Conversely, more work will be needed on the mechanical grip to compensate for the loss of aerodynamic grip.

The performance of the engines is also affected. Lower air density means less oxygen quantity. Oxygen being one of the important components for the efficient combustion of an engine, the efficiency of the latter is thus reduced. With the era of turbo engines, this loss is less significant than with old naturally aspirated engines.

Intermediate range for Pirelli

Once again, Pirelli is making its intermediate range available to teams and drivers.

This is not the most demanding track of the year, but the top speeds reached are relatively high, and the few chicanes require significant braking.

Thus, the proposed compounds range from C2 (white and hard) to C4 (soft and red), passing through the yellow C3 and therefore intermediate.

Returning to the calendar after a two-year absence, the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez is a technical challenge. Traction and braking are important due to the twisty final sectors and long start-finish straight. #MexicanGP 🇲🇽 #Fit4F1 #F1 #Formula1 #Pirelli https://t.co/hxnA2agTV9 pic.twitter.com/weBX0cVlyh

— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) November 1, 2021

Editor’s predictions

There are only five races left, including Mexico, to separate our two leading drivers. We are reaching the end of the season, and even though developments are not frozen, the cars have almost reached their full potential after two years of operation.

It is therefore very difficult to separate Mercedes and Red Bull and therefore, Hamilton and Verstappen.

A priori, the Austrian team has a very slight lead. However, race strategy, engine reliability, human reliability, as well as experience are all parameters that make the outcome of each race uncertain.

In Sergio Perez’s domain, Red Bull will be eager to shine. And even if the Mexican driver will have to face a cruel dilemma if he proves competitive on this track, there is no doubt, unless there is a mishap, that the victory will go to Hamilton or Verstappen.

If we look at the past, the British and the Dutch are tied. Hamilton won in 2016 and 2019, while Verstappen won in 2017 and 2018.

In the editorial office, the votes in qualifying are in favor of an exploit by Sergio Perez.

As for the race, we see a Red Bull domination without distinguishing between Verstappen and Perez.

For the podium, Hamilton, Leclerc, and Norris are the main favorites.