Mexico Grand Prix: Race Preview

      We will remember the end of the 2025 season often. As an example of how closely fought the battle was, engineers from different teams, working in different directions, reached the same level by the end of the regulations’ lifespan. As an example that even amid the total dominance of one team and a concentration of effort on the car for the new regulations, engineers of another team can still turn the situation around.

      Only two months ago, after the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, Oscar Piastri led his McLaren teammate Lando Norris by 34 points, and Max Verstappen of Red Bull by 104. It seemed the fate of the title was decided, but many said that the “papaya rules” would work only until the Formula 1 championship title was within arm’s reach. And no team’s rules can stop a driver’s sporting selfishness, without which there is no point in racing.

      Four race weekends have passed since then. Now Piastri leads Norris by 14 points, and Verstappen by 40. Over four rounds Max has made up 60 points on Piastri — and the whole fight is still ahead.

      McLaren believe that on some tracks that suit them better they will be able to regain their previous advantage. Red Bull believe they can win all the remaining races. We are in for an interesting finale!

      The Mexican Grand Prix is the second round of the American swing. From Austin the teams moved to the Mexican capital to the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, where the event is sponsored by the city authorities, who have taken the name for themselves. Cargo and equipment were delivered on Monday, and on Tuesday morning, after the single day off, the teams returned to work. Ahead lies another race weekend, this time without a Saturday sprint.

      Liberty Media kept last year’s weekend schedule; the season’s latest sessions again turned out to be the sprint in Austin and the second practice in Mexico, both starting at 1 a.m. Moscow time.

      An important feature of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is its high altitude above sea level. While the altitude of 2,285 meters will have almost no effect on the efficiency of hybrid power units, it will affect the aerodynamics quite radically.

      Teams will set up the cars for maximum downforce — and the advantage will go to those whose aerodynamics are more efficient, though even they will generate less actual downforce in the thin air than in Monza. The cars will be nervous under braking; the race at the Mexican circuit is an excellent test of the drivers’ skill.

      It is hard to overtake on the Mexican circuit; much depends on starting position, a good getaway, and an optimal strategy.