Less downforce & grip, more speed: a unique challenge in Mexico

The Formula 1 World Championship is stopping off in Mexico City, where a special challenge awaits the Formula 1 World Championship drivers. This is because the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is situated at over 2,200 metres above sea level, making it the highest venue on the Formula 1 calendar. This presents unique challenges in terms of cooling, aerodynamics and power unit performance.

Frederik Vesti is well aware of this. The Mercedes reserve driver is set to take the wheel of George Russell’s car in the first free practice session and says of his outing: “I’m really looking forward to getting back behind the wheel for the first practice session in Mexico. It’s always a great opportunity to spend more time behind the wheel, learn more and – most importantly – help the team with their work.”

“As I’ve driven in the first free practice session here several times before, this circuit is particularly close to my heart. I always look forward to returning to Mexico. The fans create an incredible atmosphere, the city is fantastic and the race is usually very exciting. Tyre wear can be high, strategy often plays a key role, and there’s usually plenty of action during the race. It’s a challenging but rewarding race, and I’m really looking forward to it,” he adds.

Mexico City Circuit: Racing at Monza with Monaco downforce

Speaking about the Mexican circuit, Vesti says: “From a technical point of view, Mexico City presents a unique challenge. Due to the high altitude, the air is much thinner, which has a huge impact on the car’s performance. You lose downforce and grip, but at the same time reach some of the highest speeds of the year. It’s often described as driving here with the downforce set-up used in Monaco, whilst reaching speeds on the straights comparable to those at Monza. This presents both the drivers and the engineers with a fascinating challenge.”

Getting the car set-up right is no easy task either. The Dane explains: “The circuit itself demands a real compromise in terms of set-up. There are several slow, tight corners where a strong front end and good balance are crucial. The middle sector, however, features fast, flowing sections where it is crucial to maintain pace and generate maximum grip. Finding the right balance between these different requirements is the key to a successful race weekend.”

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Mexico City: Rennen Re-Live

FIA Formula One World Championship

01.11.2026 - 23:15