Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur has outlined the main technical challenges facing the Scuderia at the Mexican Grand Prix, emphasizing that the team’s focus is firmly on temperature management. The first day of action at the 20th round of the Formula 1 World Championship has concluded, with Ferrari arriving in Mexico on the back of a strong weekend in Austin. The initial feedback from Friday’s two free practice sessions was largely positive for the Italian team, but now the goal is to make another step forward in qualifying and the race.
The high altitude of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez – more than 2,200 meters above sea level – makes life especially difficult for the engineers. Beyond the aerodynamic implications, the thin air drastically reduces cooling efficiency, turning thermal management into a serious challenge. To counter this, the teams have opened larger cooling vents on the engine cover and reworked the brake duct inlets to ensure proper airflow, as the braking system will face significant stress during Sunday’s race.
Ferrari puts the Singapore ghosts to rest
Speaking during the official Team Principals’ press conference, Frédéric Vasseur explained what Ferrari will need to manage over the Mexican weekend. “The field is extremely tight. As we saw last week, we’re talking about differences of just a few tenths of a second. I think Mexico is a bit unique compared to other circuits because you have to monitor cooling very carefully all weekend,” he said, pointing to the importance of temperature control for both performance and reliability.
During the last Asian round in Singapore, Ferrari had struggled with severe brake temperature issues, particularly affecting Lewis Hamilton’s car. However, that problem seems to be under control so far in Mexico, even if it’s still early to make predictions about the rest of the weekend. “The two circuits are completely different, so it’s not the same issue at all,” the Ferrari boss explained. “This morning everything was under control, but it’s not the end of the weekend. We’re all managing not only the brakes but also the engine. That means it’s quite complex to get the setup right in Mexico. You have to find the right balance between the engine, brakes, and everything else. But for now, everything is under control.”
With the challenging conditions and thin air of Mexico City, Ferrari’s engineers will continue refining the SF-25 setup to keep both temperature and performance in check. If the team maintains its current trajectory, the Scuderia could be well positioned to challenge near the front once qualifying gets underway.
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