Preview | Can Perez recover in front of Mexican F1 fans?

Mexican Grand Prix

The Mexican Grand Prix was first organised in 1962 and then added to the official Formula 1 calendar in 1963. Jim Clark won the race three times, a record that was equalled by Verstappen in 2021 and then beaten in 2022.

After 1970, the Mexican GP disappeared from the F1 calendar, only to return in 1986. After the 1992 edition, the Mexico GP disappeared again, and it was a long time before the race returned to F1. In 2015, the race returned to the calendar. In 2020, the race weekend in Mexico was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Verstappen has so far won four times at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, followed by Jim Clark with three wins. Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Lewis Hamilton all won twice at the circuit. Other big names who won a race in Mexico include John Surtees, Graham Hill, Jacky Ickx, Gerhard Berger, Ayrton Senna, Riccardo Patrese and Nico Rosberg.

Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez

The circuit is named after the Rodriguez brothers. Pedro and Ricardo Rodriguez were considered the most successful Mexican F1 drivers in history until Perez arrived at Red Bull Racing. However, the Rodriguez brothers' story is a tragic one.

Ricardo was heading for a golden future at Ferrari. The Italian racing team did not want to participate in the Mexican GP because it was not officially part of the F1 calendar in 1962. Instead, Ricardo competed in a Lotus-Climax of the Rob Walker Racing Team. On the weekend of his home race, the then-20-year-old driver was killed in a tragic accident during a practice session.

His elder brother Pedro drove for Ferrari, Lotus, Cooper and BRM during his F1 career, scoring two wins and seven podium finishes. He, too, was tragically killed in a racing accident. It happened during an Interserie class race at the Norisring in 1971. Two years later, the circuit in Mexico City was renamed the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

F1 World Championship battle for P2

As in 2022, both world titles have already been won by the time the circus arrives in Mexico. Verstappen secured his third world title in the sprint race in Qatar, while Red Bull already won the constructors' title in Japan. Now it is up to Perez to complete the party for his team (and himself, of course) by securing second place in the drivers' championship.

To do so, he is in a battle with Lewis Hamilton, who initially seemed to be playing catch-up by finishing second in Austin. However, the Mercedes driver was disqualified. As a result, Perez currently enjoys a 39-point lead, where it would otherwise be just 19 points.

Mexico City weather forecast

Mexico is preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Otis on Wednesday, which is moving towards the coastal areas of Acapulco at the time of writing. The hurricane appears to narrowly avoid reaching Mexico City, but ahead of the F1 weekend, there is an increased chance of rain compared to the region's usual sunny weather.

Throughout the weekend, maximum daytime temperatures will be around 25 degrees Celsius. During the race, it might get a little warmer, but on Sunday, it will remain pleasant with a maximum temperature of 26 degrees.

Predictions for the Mexican Grand Prix

Historically, Verstappen had the best chance for a win in Mexico compared to most other circuits. This was due to his engine being strong in the thin air at high altitude and the twisty Mexico City circuit. These days, that is no longer considered the main reason. The RB19, designed by Adrian Newey, is a rock-solid F1 car, especially with Verstappen at the wheel.

At the same time, it is abundantly clear that Red Bull have set all their sights on 2024 after winning both titles. This has brought the competition closer, as was particularly evident in Singapore and at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin. Meanwhile, Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren and Aston Martin must remain focused on the current car, as they are all still fighting for positions two to four in the constructors' championship. They are also gathering important data for 2024. Mercedes introduced new upgrades last time out and will see if the performance increase is also felt in Mexico.

Should Verstappen win in Mexico, it will mean his 16th F1 win of the season and breaking his own record. In 2022, the Dutchman won 15 races, but the chances are extremely high that there will be more in 2023. Red Bull can also set a record by winning for the fifth time at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. Currently, the Austrian team is still tied with Lotus, which also won four times at the circuit.

Timetable Mexican Grand Prix (UK times)

Friday

First free practice: 19:30-20:30

Second free practice: 23:00-00:00

Saturday

Third free practice: 18:30-19:30

Qualifying: 22:00-23:00

Sunday

Race: 20:00-22:00

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