The 2023 Formula 1 World Championship is heading into its final stages, with the Mexican Grand Prix taking place this weekend at Mexico City’s Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. As the season’s winner has already been decided, all eyes are now on the race for second place in the championship, with Red Bull’s Sergio Perez and Mercedes-Benz AMG’s Lewis Hamilton battling it out.
However, this weekend could also see a new record being set. Max Verstappen, who has already won 15 races this season, equalling his record from last year, has a good chance of securing more wins in the remaining races. He also made history earlier this season by winning 10 races in a row.
The Mexican Grand Prix, officially known as the Mexico City Grand Prix, takes place on a 2.7-mile circuit situated at an altitude of nearly 7,500 feet. The higher altitude presents challenges for the teams and drivers, as the thinner air density puts more strain on the engines. Additionally, generating sufficient cooling and downforce becomes more difficult. Despite these challenges, the Mexican race boasts some of the highest top speeds of the season, with cars often surpassing 217 mph.
The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit is renowned for its layout. It includes a long straight, a mixed middle sector, and a final section featuring the famous Peraltada. While the Peraltada has been modified from its previous incarnation as a parabolic corner similar to Monza’s, it remains a crucial section of the track. Notably, the circuit also boasts the longest distance from the starting line to the braking point for the first corner, spanning a whopping 2,660 feet.
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Another factor that teams must consider is the significant temperature variation throughout the day in Mexico. Grip levels from the tires can be affected, with changes occurring in just a few hours. To navigate these conditions, tire supplier Pirelli has chosen the C3 compound as the white hard, the C4 as the yellow medium, and the C5 as the red soft. This represents a softer tire combination compared to last year.
Weather conditions can also play a role in the Mexican Grand Prix. The region experiences both warm temperatures and heavy rain, which can significantly impact the race. However, the current forecast predicts fine conditions throughout the weekend, providing an ideal track for exciting racing.
Heading into the qualifying session on Saturday and the race on Sunday, Max Verstappen leads the 2023 Drivers’ Championship with 466 points. Sergio Perez is in second place with 240 points, closely followed by Lewis Hamilton in third with 201 points. In the Constructors’ Championship, Red Bull has already secured the title and currently holds 706 points. Mercedes sits in second with 344 points, while Ferrari is in third with 322 points. Last year’s winner in Mexico was Max Verstappen, driving for Red Bull.
With the championship winner already determined, the Mexican Grand Prix presents an opportunity for drivers to showcase their skills and fight for a strong finish in the standings. The high speeds, unique circuit layout, and unpredictable weather make for an exciting weekend of racing. Fans can expect fierce battles between Verstappen, Perez, and Hamilton, as they aim to secure the best possible result in this highly anticipated event.
