SuperWest F1 Mission: Mexico Metropolis Grand Prix Preview

Posted on October 28, 2022

Mexico Metropolis Grand Prix Preview

Fast Info

Observe: Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez
Location: Mexico Metropolis, Mexico
Lap Size: 2.674 mi
Turns: 17
Race Size: 71 laps
Quickest Lap: 1:17.774 in 2021 by Valtteri Bottas in a Mercedes
Qualifying Report: 1:14.758 in 2018 by Max Verstappen in a Crimson Bull
Most wins by Constructor: 3 (McLaren, Williams, Mercedes, Crimson Bull, and Lotus)
Most wins by a Driver: 3 (Max Verstappen)

The excessive elevation impacts aerodynamics, with the air being thinner, the vehicles must add peak to the wings to catch extra air and get the identical downforce impact they’d have at decrease altitudes.

High pace may also be altered by the altitude.

Together with Monza and Baku, Mexico is likely one of the quickest circuits on the calendar. The monitor floor is kind of easy and slippery, lowering tire put on and degradation.

This places specific emphasis on braking, with traction a key factor as effectively.

Mario Isola, the Director for tire producer Pirelli, suggests the groups may see some variations in degradation on the monitor.

“This year, the circuit might be more front-limited, as the current generation of car tends to understeer through slow corners—which Mexico has plenty of—and this can lead to some sliding on the front tires.”

The primary sector of the monitor will put give attention to excessive prime pace. Speeds on the straight are anticipated to be quicker than 205mph.

Comparatively, the second sector is free-flowing and quick, placing a premium on aerodynamics and stability.

The third sector may be very technically demanding: Getting the setup appropriate will likely be important because the vehicles go by the well-known “Stadium Section.”

The skinny air impacts engines, too, producing much less downforce at decrease speeds. With this yr’s floor impact flooring, groups could wrestle to get the setups proper in comparison with final yr, significantly within the third sector.

And for good measure, rain is anticipated on Sunday.

Talking of final yr, when F1 got here to Mexico Metropolis in 2021, the factors race was as tight because it may very well be.

Max Verstappen held only a 12-point edge on Lewis Hamilton, which on the time, marked the widest edge Verstappen had held in any of the prior eight races of that season.

Juxtaposed with the 2022 marketing campaign, Verstappen enters the Mexican Grand Prix with a 124-point benefit. Each the Constructor’s and Driver’s World Titles have already been wrapped up by Verstappen and Crimson Bull.

And indicating the end result to come back, Verstappen already holds the document for many laps led on the monitor with 202. Racing at prime type, it’s unlikely that Verstappen will likely be overwhelmed.

Notes

• Max Verstappen’s 13 wins this season have tied the single-season document set by Michael Schumacher in 2004 and Sebastian Vettel in 2013.

• Crimson Bull has gained eight straight races, one shy of their staff document set in 2013.

• Charles Leclerc has 5 straight podiums, the longest streak of his profession.

• Since F1 returned to Mexico in 2015, the Pole has been gained by six totally different drivers.

• Sergio Perez, from Guadalajara, Mexico is the one Mexican driver within the race and holds the document for the most effective end for a Mexican of their residence race after ending third right here final yr.

• Schumacher earned his first podium right here in 1992.