Max Verstappen and nine other drivers missed the first free practice session for the Mexico City Grand Prix to allow a rookie track time, as reported by a source. Verstappen returns to the cockpit for the second free practice on Friday, October 30, as teams struggle with a track surface described as treacherously slippery.
The session follows a strong showing from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in the opening practice. While the second session will provide data on pace, the championship stakes remain high: Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli could secure the world title on Sunday if he maintains his 123-point lead over George Russell.
Altitude Challenges at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez
The circuit sits 2,286 meters above sea level, making it the highest destination on the Formula 1 calendar. This altitude creates thin air, which reduces downforce and complicates engine cooling and turbocharger performance, as noted by Motorsport.com.
Verstappen.com NIEUWS: Charles Leclerc snelste in eerste vrije training in Mexico dlvr.it/TW76qJ pic.twitter.com/i49s8912tq
Verstappen told De Telegraaf that the lack of grip is a primary concern. He explained that while teams usually compensate with larger wings, current configurations use fewer wings, meaning the car will have significantly less downforce. He noted that performance in slower sections will become the priority.
Did you know? Max Verstappen is the most successful driver in the history of the Mexican Grand Prix, with five wins recorded in 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2023, according to TopGear.
High altitude forces engine operating restrictions
Engine manufacturers are facing increased pressure due to the absence of the MGU-H in newer regulations. Motorsport.com reports that turbo RPMs typically run very high in Mexico to maintain sufficient airflow. Orihara, cited by Motorsport.com, stated that teams have conducted bench tests to minimize impact, but must verify if engine operating conditions will be limited during practice.
This “engine operation condition” determines whether the internal combustion engine can reach its maximum potential or must be restricted to prevent failure at high altitude.
Active aerodynamics reduce downforce in Mexico
Teams typically use wing settings similar to those used in Monaco for the Mexico City GP because lower air density reduces the drag penalty. However, Motorsport.com reports that active aerodynamics are complicating this strategy.
While active aero helped drivers manage bumps in Austin, it is contributing to even lower downforce in Mexico. This effect is compounded by the fact that 2026-spec cars generally produce less downforce than previous ground-effect era vehicles.
Technical Note: The combination of thin air and active aero can lead to a sensation described by sources as “sliding like hell,” making car stability a primary focus for engineers during Friday sessions.
Kimi Antonelli can clinch the title Sunday
Kimi Antonelli enters the weekend with 365 points, leading George Russell by 123 points and Lewis Hamilton by 124, according to TopGear. With a maximum of 125 points available, Antonelli can clinch the title on Sunday.
| Session | Date | Time (CET) |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | Oct 31 | 22:00 – 23:00 |
| Grand Prix | Nov 1 | 21:00 |
Mexico City GP Technical Questions
Will the altitude affect engine reliability?
Yes. The thin air forces turbochargers to work harder to maintain airflow, which may lead to operational restrictions to prevent engine damage, according to Motorsport.com.
How does the altitude change the car’s handling?
Reduced air density results in lower downforce, meaning cars have less grip in corners. Verstappen noted to De Telegraaf that this makes the car more challenging to handle, particularly in slow sections.
Can Kimi Antonelli win the title this weekend?
Yes. Antonelli leads the championship by 123 points; since 125 points are available, he can mathematically secure the title on Sunday.
Whether Red Bull can find the necessary balance between fast and slow corner performance remains the primary unknown for Verstappen heading into the weekend.
Related reading