F1 | MEXICAN GP, GIAN CARLO MINARDI: ANTONELLI IS ONE STEP AWAY FROM HISTORY, THE CHALLENGE FOR SECOND PLACE IS OPEN

Formula 1 goes back to the track this weekend for the City of Mexico Grand Prix scheduled for October 20 to November 1. The Hermanos Rodríguez Circuit is one of the most particular circuits of the calendar: it is situated 2,200 metres above sea level and this altitude is a decisive technical factor for all the teams. The thin air reduces aerodynamic drag, and the down force generated by the cars, making it harder to find grip in the corners. To compensate for this loss, the teams will resort to aerodynamic setups with heavy downforce, without eliminating the difficulties completely, however.

The track measures 4,304 metres and the Grand Prix is run over 71 laps, for a total of more than 305 kilometres. The long acceleration run on the main straight leading up to the braking point for turn 1 favours overtaking, while the slower and more technical section also runs through the stadium, giving a setting that is unique in the panorama of Formula 1. The management of the racing car and the skill in striking the right balance between the straight-line speed and grip in the corners will be crucial.

For the weekend in Mexico, Pirelli has chosen the three softest compounds in its range: C3 Hard, C4 Medium and C5 Soft. This selection could widen the strategic options, but it will also require careful attention to the management of the tyres. In fact, the altitude reduces the sliding of the car and the phenomenon of graining. Free practice will therefore be crucial for evaluating the performance of the compounds and identifying the most effective strategy.

On the sporting front, all eyes will be on Kimi Antonelli. After his wonderful win in Austin, the Mercedes driver will go to Mexico with 365 points and a lead of 123 points over George Russell. This lead means he is now one step away from winning his first world championship title, in only his second season in Formula 1. Antonelli could be crowned champion as early as Sunday if he finishes in at least ninth place. The title will be his anyway if neither Russell nor Lewis Hamilton manage to win the Grand Prix. After a season marked by extraordinary consistency and results, the young Italian has the chance to achieve a historic milestone for himself and for Italian motorsport.

In Austin, Mercedes confirmed its competitiveness, but Ferrari gave out another important signal with Charles Leclerc’s second place, followed by Max Verstappen in third place. The driver from Monte Carlo took advantage of the chances presented by the race and he secured an important result, while Lewis Hamilton finished fourth, contributing to the team’s points haul.  Ferrari seems to have made progress, and the objective will be to understand whether they will be able to confirm this performance even on a circuit with such distinctive characteristics.

Red Bull is not to be underestimated. Verstappen proved that he can challenge for the top places and in Austin he remained in contention for the podium right up to the final stages of the race. In Mexico, the team will have to find the right balance to capitalize on their speed on the straights whilst maintaining grip in the stadium section. The Dutchman’s competitiveness would once again have an impact on the standings of the championship, especially in the battle behind Antonelli.

While the driver’s title is now nearing its conclusion, the battle for second place in the standings remains very much wide open. Russell currently occupies second place with 242 points, just one more than Hamilton, while Verstappen is on 236 and Leclerc on 233. Four drivers separated by just 9 points. This situation makes every race particularly important and promises a closely fought battle in Mexico City too. For Ferrari in particular, it will be the chance to build on its progress and to try and to get both drivers into the battle at the top.

The round in Mexico therefore presents two major themes. On the one hand, the chance to witness Antonelli’s coronation, following a season that has exceeded all expectations, and on the other, a battle for the top positions that is still wide open, with Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull set to go head to head on a circuit that, due to its altitude and characteristics, could shuffle the standings at the top.

Gian Carlo Minardi