It’s time for Round 18 of the FIA Formula One World Championship as we head to Mexico City for the Mexican Grand Prix. The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez sits over 2km above sea level, making the 4.3km lap a breathless experience. Being the Grand Prix run at the highest altitude above sea level of the season, the race provides uniquely challenging conditions for both the team and drivers. Following on from the excitable and passionate fans in Japan, Mexico will continue the electric atmosphere with the famed baseball stadium section near the end of the lap which will be packed with fervent fans.
Kimi Raikkonen, Antonio Giovinazzi and Frédéric Vasseur preview the next round of the 2019 Formula One season, the Mexican Grand Prix:
Frédéric Vasseur, Team Principal Alfa Romeo Racing and CEO Sauber Motorsport AG:
“We approach the final four races of the season with the confidence we can be in the battle for points at each of these events. Everyone in the team is working hard, both at the factory and at the track, to make sure we extract all of our potential. Mexico is a track with unique characteristics – it’s bumpy, the altitude and the thin air have a strong effect on the car and you have very long straights and a slow and twisty middle sector. The practice sessions will be key to set up the car properly for the rest of the weekend, but I think we will be able to show what we can do.”
Kimi Räikkönen (car number 7):
“Mexico gives us a chance to get back in the points. It doesn’t really matter what we did in the past few races, our focus is on the next events and we need to make sure we go out and do our job well. If we do that, we will be in the battle for the points, this is what matters. We know the final four races are very important and we will continue to give 100% to finish the season well.”
Antonio Giovinazzi (car number 99):
“The next two races will be a crucial moment for us. Back-to-backs are always an opportunity to build momentum so it will be important to do well in Mexico and carry on to Austin. I have never raced in Mexico City but I had two practice sessions there and I quite like the track. The layout, with its long straights, reminds me of Monza, but the conditions will be very different due to the altitude. Hopefully our car will suit the circuit well and we will be in the fight for points.”
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