The Unique Challenge Of Mexico

How Many Tracks Are In F1
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - OCTOBER 29: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB19 on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on October 29, 2023 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
How Many Tracks Are In F1
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - OCTOBER 29: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB19 on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on October 29, 2023 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

This weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix provides a unique challenge for all F1 teams, and a challenge that could be very costly if managed incorrectly. 

Formula One arrives at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City, a track that lies a whopping 7,300ft above sea level. At such an altitude, the air is very thin which has huge implications for F1 cars. 

The FIA estimates that the air density is reduced by 25% here, affecting the cars’ ability to generate downforce. Downforce is crucial in F1, pushing cars into the tarmac to increase cornering speeds and create better balance. Without it, F1 cars would understeer a ridiculous amount, and lap times would be significantly slower. 

The rarified air also means that there is less cooling of the engine components which could be a race-ending issue if left unaddressed. As a result, teams try to open their car outlets as much as possible, and the seemingly over-the-top number of sidepod cooling louvres is an amusing sight every year.

The cooling louvres encourage more air to flow through the sidepod radiators which increases the amount of engine cooling. More drill holes are often added to F1 brake discs for the Grand Prix weekend as well, another component that can easily overheat and cause a major failure. 

Less air is also supplied to the power unit itself which means a significant reduction in engine power, although the lower drag levels compensate for this effect. 

All in all, it is fair to say that Mexico City is a one-of-a-kind race location, and the engineers on the pit wall will have a tough job ensuring everything remains in its optimal state. 

Comments

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

More in News

F1 Grand Prix Of Great Britain

McLaren Go 1-2 At Home, Hulkenberg Claims Maiden F1 Podium In A Silverstone Classic

After a 17 year wait, McLaren has won its home ...
F1 Grand Prix Of Great Britain Qualifying

Max Verstappen Claims Stunning Silverstone Pole

Max Verstappen will start the British Grand Prix from pole ...
F1 Grand Prix Of Great Britain Practice

Gene Haas ‘Not Interested’ In Selling F1 Team

Haas F1 Team's low-profile owner, Gene Haas, "isn't interested" in ...
F1 Grand Prix Of Great Britain Practice

Ferrari vs McLaren In The Birthplace Of F1

The British Grand Prix weekend got underway with a straight ...
Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin Amr22

Media, Fans, Banned From First 2026 F1 Test

Spectators and the media will be locked out of the ...

Trending on F1 Chronicle