Valtteri Bottas (2021)
Located more than 2,000 meters above sea level, the Autódromo Hermanos Rodriguez is the highest circuit on the Formula 1 calendar, presenting unique challenges that demand precision and strategy from teams. The Mexico City Grand Prix is known for its technical demands, where skillful driving is often rewarded, but even the smallest mistakes can be costly. For team principals, making the right strategic decisions is crucial in navigating the track’s complexities.
Key Setup Considerations
When preparing for the Autódromo Hermanos Rodriguez, teams should focus on the following setup and attributes to maximize performance:
– DRS Optimization: Given the long straights and the importance of overtaking at this circuit, ensuring that DRS (Drag Reduction System) is as effective as possible is critical. This can provide a significant advantage during the race.
– Cornering Focus: The track features a mix of high-speed and low-speed corners. Balancing the car’s performance across these different types of turns is essential, with particular attention to optimizing cornering speed in both scenarios.
– Balanced Performance: A well-rounded setup that doesn’t overly favor one aspect of the car over another will be beneficial. Cars with balanced attributes across various performance areas, such as downforce and mechanical grip, tend to fare better at this demanding circuit.
Mastering the nuances of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodriguez can lead to success, but it requires careful consideration of setup choices and a strategic approach to both qualifying and race day.
Official Events
| # | Grand Prix | Races | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mexico | 20 | 1963-70, 1986-92, 2015-19 |
| 2 | Mexico City | 3 | 2021-23 |
Wins by grid position
Here are the grid positions of every race winner at Mexico City and the number of victories per position.
| Grid position | Wins |
|---|---|
| Pole | 10 |
| 2nd | 4 |
| 3rd | 6 |
| 4th | 2 |
| 13th | 1 |
Maiden wins
The following drivers and constructors won their first Formula 1 race at Mexico City.
| Driver | Year |
|---|---|
| Richie Ginther (Honda) | |
| Gerhard Berger (Benetton) |
| Constructor | Year |
|---|---|
| Honda (Richie Ginther) | |
| Benetton (Gerhard Berger) |
Title deciders
Mexico City has hosted the following championship title deciders:
Drivers’ title
- 1964: John Surtees (1st title)
- 1967: Denny Hulme (1st title)
- 1968: Graham Hill (2nd title)
- 2017: Lewis Hamilton (4th title)
- 2018: Lewis Hamilton (5th title)
Constructors’ title
- 1964: Ferrari (2nd title)
- 1968: Lotus (3rd title)
The Mexican Grand Prix made its debut on the Formula 1 calendar in 1963, largely due to the rising fame of the Rodriguez brothers, Pedro and Ricardo. The race is held at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodriguez, a track named in their honor. Tragically, Ricardo, the younger of the two, died in a non-championship race at the Mexico City circuit in 1962. Nine years later, Pedro also lost his life in a racing accident in Germany. Following his death, the Magdalena Mixhuca circuit was renamed to honor both brothers.
However, the Mexican Grand Prix faced challenges early on. After issues with crowd control during the 1970 race, the event was removed from the Formula 1 calendar. It made a comeback in 1986, even as the country was recovering from a devastating earthquake that claimed over 10,000 lives. The circuit was slightly modified, though the infamous Peraltada, a banked, 180-degree corner leading onto the pit straight, remained. This fearsome corner was later toned down in 1992 for safety reasons, marking the last time the track hosted a Formula 1 race for over two decades.
In 2015, Formula 1 returned to a dramatically revamped Autódromo Hermanos Rodriguez. Every corner had been modified, with the Peraltada replaced by a slow series of bends winding through the Foro Sol stadium, creating a unique atmosphere for spectators.
Sitting at an altitude of 2,285 meters, Mexico City’s circuit is the highest on the Formula 1 calendar. The thinner air at this elevation presents distinct challenges for the teams. While naturally aspirated engines would traditionally lose around 25% of their power at this altitude, modern turbocharged hybrid power units handle the conditions better. However, cooling remains a significant issue, and the reduced air density affects aerodynamic downforce, particularly in the corners. Teams compensate by running maximum downforce setups, taking advantage of the low drag to maintain high speeds—often exceeding 350 kph—down the circuit’s long main straight. This makes car setup at Mexico City unique compared to other tracks.
The Mexican Grand Prix has been a particularly successful venue for Max Verstappen, who has become the most successful driver in the event’s history, surpassing the three wins of Jim Clark. However, despite Verstappen’s dominance, the loudest cheers in the Foro Sol stadium are likely to be for his Red Bull teammate, Sergio Perez, the Mexican national hero. Perez’s presence adds an extra layer of excitement to the race, making the Mexican Grand Prix a standout event in the Formula 1 season.
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