The Mexico City Grand Prix or Gran Premio De La Ciudad De México, previously known as the Mexican Grand Prix, takes place at Autódromo Hermanos Rodriguez. While the contract with F1 was originally scheduled to end in 2019, it was renewed for 3 years. We will be racing in Mexico City until at least 2022.
Track Breakdown
Number of Laps: 71
Circuit Length: 4.304 km
Race Distance: 305.354 kM
The Mexican Grand Prix was first held as a Formula One Championship event at the Magdalena Mixhuca Circuit from 1963–1970, before moving to Autódromo Hermanos Rodriguez from 1986–1992. Formula One returned to Mexico and the Autódromo circuit in 2015 and has continued racing there since, excluding the 2020 of course.
The high altitude and layout of the circuit provides a challenge for constructors' set-ups but ensures high speed racing for the drivers. Drivers can expect to hit speeds of around 370 kph in some areas of the track and complete most laps in around 80 seconds.
With just 40 overtakes happening in the 2019 GP (70% of which occurred with DRS), drivers will have to make the most of sector one to make up ground on their opponents. The Autódromo's two long straights happen almost back-to-back, separated by three quick turns, so expect a lot of the overtaking action to occur in Turns 1 through 4. The circuit should give us good battles between the top two teams as well as throughout the midfield.
Fast 5s:
2019: Hamilton, Vettel, Bottas, Leclerc, Albon
2018: Verstappen, Vettel, Räikkönen, Hamilton, Bottas*
*Bottas set the record lap time with 1:18741
Fun Facts
The circuit also hosts Formula E E-Prix's and Nascar races, and has alternative oval configurations to do so
In 2015, Ricciardo placed third but missed the podium opportunity after the two drivers finishing before him (Verstappen and Vettel) were assessed penalties
A baseball stadium was built on the inside of Turn 14
The circuit was originally designed as a thesis project by a student, Óscar Fernández
The circuit is named for Mexico's joint-most successful driver (next to Sergio Perez) and his brother, the Pedro and Ricardo Rodriguez
Technical Talk
One of the most unique and challenging aspects of racing in Mexico City is its astonishingly high altitude. Situated at around 2240m above sea level, Mexico City poses an aerodynamics challenge to constructors, just like how working out in high altitudes has effects on humans. Its high altitude means a very low air pressure, resulting in low drag and downforce produced by the cars, but its track construction is one that requires high speed. This means that constructors bring a unique set up package to Mexico, essentially combining Monaco or Spa like downforce set ups with Monza like power packages. The turbo ability at this circuit is why Red Bull has had successful runs here despite the track appearing to a power track that typically favours Mercedes like builds. Both 1 and 2 stop tyre strategies have been shown to be successful at this circuit in years past so teams may have mixed strategies.
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