F1 heads to Mexico this week for the Mexico City Grand Prix, a race that represents one of the most unique features of the entire F1 season. The Mexico City circuit is located more than 7,000 feet above sea level, so altitude and thin air affect cars and drivers. The thin air means the cars will run at their highest wing levels of the season, yet generate less downforce than at circuits such as Monza. When the oxygen level in the air decreases, the power unit's turbocharger has to spin faster than at lower altitudes, and at the same time there are problems with cooling the tires and brakes.
Next, there is a concern about altitude sickness, so consider the impact that high altitudes have on drivers. (For more information on the issues facing teams and drivers this week, check out these articles: SB Nation Last season. )
The entire Williams team is looking forward to taking on these challenges this week.
“We're looking forward to racing in Mexico this weekend. This unique track with an incredible arena and passionate fans always brings surprises and great racing,” said Sporting Director Sven. Smoots said during the team's media preview. “As we return to our normal race weekend format, our focus will be on improving our performance on the soft compounds, as we struggled on the softs last weekend. The high altitudes present unique challenges and the midfield battles will be intense. Every second will be important to get the most out of it and be in the race for points.”
F2 driver turned F1 legend Franco Colapinto has finished in the points in two of his four races and is looking forward to both the unique challenge of the Mexico City Grand Prix and a race as close to home as possible.
“We're excited to be racing in Mexico this weekend and can't wait to see the incredible support of our fans again. Looking back at Austin, it's clear there's very little separating the teams in the middle.” Colapinto said. “The high altitude of the circuit will present a unique challenge compared to other circuits in terms of getting the most out of the cars. By returning to the normal race weekend format, we will continue to build throughout the session prior to qualifying. We can concentrate on improving. We will do our best as a team to contribute to the battle for points.”
Alexander Albon is looking forward to getting back in the car soon after a “tough weekend” in Austin.
“After a tough weekend we are looking forward to getting back into the car quickly this week in Mexico and seeing how the car performs on this unique circuit, which is always unpredictable for our car. “It was a great circuit,” he said. Albon. “We are back to our normal race weekend format, so if we can build up and address some of the issues during the free practice sessions, we will be able to extract more performance.”
“The fans here are always passionate so we’re looking forward to a good weekend.”
