The Formula 1 World Championship moves from the flat plains of Texas to the thin air of Mexico City, where Ferrari and team principal Frédéric Vasseur will face one of the most technically demanding events of the season — the 2025 Mexican Grand Prix at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Set over 2,200 meters above sea level, this circuit poses a unique challenge both for the cars and for the drivers, as the high altitude and rarefied air have a major impact on aerodynamics, cooling, and overall performance.
For Ferrari, the weekend will be particularly noteworthy. As in previous years, the team will run three drivers during the event. In the first free practice session (FP1), Antonio Fuoco — one of the leading figures in Ferrari’s endurance program — will make his Formula 1 weekend debut, stepping in for Lewis Hamilton. The change complies with the regulation that requires teams to give at least two FP1 sessions per season to a young driver with no more than two F1 race participations. Last year, that opportunity was given to Oliver Bearman, who impressed the team and the paddock with his performance.
A high-altitude test for Vasseur’s Ferrari
The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez sits at an altitude of 2,285 meters, and this environmental factor heavily influences how the single-seaters behave. The thinner air reduces aerodynamic efficiency, meaning cars generate less downforce, and at the same time, it makes cooling more difficult — especially for key components like the power unit, brakes, and hybrid systems. Managing tire temperatures also becomes critical, as the combination of altitude and high track temperatures can quickly lead to overheating when drivers push the car to its limits.
The Mexican layout is known for combining long straights — including one of the longest on the calendar — with slow and technical sections that require high traction and stability. Braking zones are demanding, while the twisty middle sector often tests the car’s mechanical grip. Most teams tend to favor a one-stop strategy thanks to relatively low tire degradation, but the altitude adds a layer of unpredictability. Pushing too hard can cause tire overheating or unexpected wear, potentially forcing a second pit stop and disrupting race strategy.
Vasseur: “The key will be finding the right balance”
Team principal Frédéric Vasseur expressed satisfaction with the progress made by Ferrari in recent weeks but emphasized the unique challenges that await the team at high altitude.
“In Austin, thanks to an excellent team effort and the continued support from everyone at Maranello, we managed to deliver one of our strongest weekends of the season,” said Fred Vasseur. “It’s crucial that we maintain this level of focus and determination as we approach the final stretch of the championship.”
Looking ahead to the race in Mexico, Fred Vasseur explained that this round presents completely different technical conditions compared to the United States Grand Prix. “The main difficulty here is the altitude,” he continued. “It affects every aspect of the car — from cooling and power unit performance to aerodynamics and tire management. The key will be finding the right balance between all these factors to optimize the car’s potential throughout the weekend.”
With Antonio Fuoco’s debut adding extra interest and the team continuing to refine its SF-25 package, Ferrari will aim to maintain its momentum as the 2025 season enters its final stretch. The Mexican Grand Prix has historically been unpredictable, and with the combination of high altitude, thin air, and a passionate crowd, it could offer an opportunity for Ferrari to capitalize on its recent form and close the gap to Mercedes.
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