With the starting grid for the Mexican Grand Prix now set (click here to see what’s changed since qualifying), let’s continue our weekend coverage by analyzing the potential strategies that will shape today’s race (at 9:00 PM local time).
The warm circuit situated over 2,200 meters above sea level at the Hermanos Rodriguez circuit challenges drivers when it comes to tire management. Racing with a high-downforce setup akin to Monaco isn’t enough to provide adequate grip through all the curves on the Mexican track. This leads to increased sliding, subsequent overheating, and the appearance of the detrimental phenomenon of “graining.”
Pirelli’s Recommendations – Mexican GP – 71 laps
Taking note of this brief introduction, let’s delve into the suggestions provided by Mario Isola, Pirelli’s Motorsport Director, to the teams in preparation for the weekend’s main event: “As for the race, we expect that a one-stop strategy will still be the favorite. We anticipate two alternatives: starting with the Medium C4 tire and switching to the Hard C3 around one-third of the race distance, or opting for the C3 at the start and extending the first stint to about two-thirds of the 71 laps. A two-stop strategy is an option, using a mix of C3 and C4, but it’s less quick than a one-stop strategy,” as stated on the tire manufacturer’s official website.
Max Verstappen isn’t Ferrari’s main opponent
We’ve said it many times before, but never as much as today, for Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz (both starting from the front row), it will be crucial to carefully manage their tires if they want to maximize their result at the end of the Formula 1 Mexican Grand Prix at the 4.304-kilometre Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City. Max Verstappen is not the most dangerous opponent for the Maranello team; it’s the tire performance degradation.
Pirelli boss Mario Isola has indicated that the fastest strategy to complete the 71 laps at the Hermanos Rodriguez circuit is a one-stop strategy. Red Bull, Mercedes, and McLaren should have no issues finishing the race with either M-H (Medium-Hard) or H-M (Hard-Medium). Will this be the case for the Italian team as well?
Unfortunately, on Friday, even with cooler temperatures ranging from 30°C to 35°C, Charles Leclerc experienced graining on the Medium tires mounted on the front axle of the SF-23. If this issue reoccurs during the race, it will be challenging for Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz to fend off competitors with better tire management.
To minimize risks in the Mexican Grand Prix, Scuderia Ferrari may consider opting for a two-stop strategy from the beginning. Beating Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez would be a challenging feat regardless. The Red Bull duo showed incredible pace on Friday (read here), and if they manage to replicate it today, it would be nearly impossible to prevent them from securing a one-two finish. It might be better to focus on realistic goals. Delivering a strong race, pushing at every stage without putting excessive stress on the tires, would already be a significant achievement.
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