Lights OutMediaMexico City sits more than 2,200 meters above sea level, which is higher than any other track F1 visits. The thin air takes away roughly a fifth to a quarter of the downforce, and it also makes it hard for the cars to cool down.
Thinner air means the wings and underbody venturi tunnels make less downforce, so there’s less grip in the corners. Teams run their highest-downforce wings here because of the thin air. But less drag means huge top speeds anyway. Last year’s top speed was 226 mph, set by Oscar Piastri at the speed trap. These are new cars this year, so that number could change. The cars should be incredibly fast on the straights, but slippery in the corners.
Fewer air molecules go through the sidepods, radiators and brake ducts, so the car sheds heat less well. The turbo can make up some of the lost power, but not all of it. The brakes get less cooling too, and they can glaze, which is when heat hardens the surface of the pads and makes them harder to rely on. Mercedes has said cooling is probably the biggest challenge in Mexico.
Heading into this weekend, Free Practice 1 and 2 are Friday, Free Practice 3 and qualifying are Saturday, and the race is Sunday. These are the first 2026 cars to race at this altitude, and Antonelli could clinch the title here. He leads Russell by 123 points with only five races left this season. See you then.