Formula 1 heads to Mexico this week for the Mexico City Grand Prix, a race that poses one of the most unique characteristics of the entire F1 season. With the track in Mexico City situated at over 7,000 feet above sea level the altitude — and thinner air — has implications for the cars and the drivers. The thinner air means cars run with some of the highest wing levels of the season, yet still generate less downforce than tracks such as Monza. The reduced oxygen levels in the air task the power unit’s turbocharger with spinning faster than at lower altitudes, while also causing problems with cooling the tires and the breaks.
Then there is what the higher altitude does to the drivers, as altitude sickness is a concern. (For more on what the teams and drivers face this week, there is this piece we published at SB Nation last season.)
The entire team at Williams is looking forward to taking on these challenges this week.
“We are looking forward to racing in Mexico this weekend. This unique track with its incredible arena and passionate fans always delivers surprises and a great race,” said Sporting Director Sven Smoots in the team’s media preview. “As we return to a normal race weekend format, we will be focusing on improving our performance on the Soft compound as we struggled on it last weekend. The high altitude will bring its own challenges and with the battle in the midfield being tight every millisecond will count to be able to be in the fight for points.”
F2 driver turned F1 legend Franco Colapinto, who has finished in the points in two of his four races, is looking forward to both the unique challenges of the Mexico City Grand Prix, and racing a bit closer to home.
“I’m excited to be racing in Mexico this weekend. I can’t wait to see the incredible support from the fans once again. Reflecting on Austin it’s clear that there’s very little separating the teams in the midfield,” said Colapinto. “The circuit’s high altitude will prove a unique challenge in comparison to others with trying to get the most out of the car. Going back to the normal race weekend format allows me to focus on building up throughout the sessions ahead of Qualifying. We’ll try our best as a team to be in the fight for points.”
Alexander Albon is looking forward to getting right back into the car after a “tough weekend” in Austin.
“After a tough weekend, I’m looking forward to jumping straight back in the car in Mexico this week and seeing how the car performs around this unique circuit, which has always been a track with a lot of unpredictability for our car,” said Albon. “We’re back to a normal race weekend format, so we’ll build up during the Free Practice sessions and if we can address some of our issues, we will get more performance out of it.
“The fans are always passionate here, so I’m looking forward to a good weekend.”
