Mexico CityGrand Prix

What You Need To Know

Now in its third stint as a fixture on the calendar the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City has become a popular stop on F1’s global tour since its latest return in 2015. At 2,300m above sea level, the track is situated at a higher altitude than any we race at all season and brings its own unique challenges to drivers and teams.

Fans are treated well too, with a custom-built stadium section that allows an intimate view of the cars at the end of the lap as well as providing the backdrop for a raucous party atmosphere for the entire weekend. There’s been reason for our team to party too in recent years, as Lewis captured his fourth and fifth world titles in 2017 and 2018 at the circuit which, like Monza, is built within a park in the middle of a major city.

Fact File: Mexico City Grand Prix

• Mexico City sits at over 2,200 metres altitude which affects the car in a number of different ways.

• The ambient pressure is by far the lowest of the season at 782mb. The oxygen levels are therefore 78% of what they are at sea level. This has a big impact on the aerodynamics and the Power Unit.

• The Power Unit sees a decent drop in output due to the thin air. The turbocharger makes up for some of the power loss, but not all of it, and has to work much harder than it does in normal conditions.

• Due to the altitude, we run a high downforce package in Mexico City but experience Monza levels of downforce.

• Top speeds are therefore some of the highest of the season and typically exceed 350 km/h.

• The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez still largely follows the original outline of the circuit which was first developed in 1959.

• The main difference is the former, more fearsome version of the Peraltada corner is now bisected.

• The first championship Grand Prix race took place at the circuit in 1963, before disappearing from the calendar after 1970.

• The second F1 stint at the circuit came between 1989 and 1992, before the championship returned in 2015 with Nico Rosberg victorious for our team.