Can Ferrari really continue to surprise after the one-two in Austin? This is the question that fans are asking themselves as Formula 1 heads towards the Mexican Grand Prix. At the Circuito Hermanos Rodríguez, the Scuderia from Maranello arrives on the wings of enthusiasm after dominating the United States GP, while Red Bull and McLaren find themselves facing more complex challenges, between fluctuating performances and regulatory controversies. Max Verstappen, while consolidating his lead in the standings over Lando Norris, sees a Ferrari that has proven to be competitive in the race like never before. Let's now look at the schedules of the Mexican GP, the next decisive stage of the World Championship.
Ferrari in Mexico on the wings of enthusiasm
Ferrari arrives in Mexico with great confidence after its success in Austin, where Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz achieved a historic one-two. The Maranello team showed solid race pace and took advantage of the difficulties of its rivals to get the most out of it. After a period of ups and downs, especially against McLaren and Red Bull, the SF-24 found the right balance on a demanding track like Texas, rekindling hopes for an open fight in Mexico.
The Austin Grand Prix highlighted how Ferrari has returned to being competitive on all fronts, thanks also to the updates introduced in the last races. The one-two obtained by Leclerc and Sainz has relaunched the ambitions of the team, now ready to put pressure on McLaren in the fight for second place in the Constructors' championship.
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris: the challenge is getting more heated
Despite Ferrari's one-two, Max Verstappen continues to maintain control of the Drivers' Championship. With a 57-point advantage over Lando Norris, the Red Bull driver consolidated his lead thanks to the Sprint Race in Austin and a third-place finish in the race. However, the difficulties encountered in the United States GP showed that the margin for error for the Milton Keynes team is reduced, especially ahead of the final races of the season.
For Lando Norris, the Mexican GP represents a crucial opportunity to make up ground and keep his championship hopes alive. McLaren, despite starting with high ambitions in Austin, ended the weekend underperforming, with Norris's five-second penalty costing him a podium finish. Now, the British driver will face the pressure of another crucial race, trying to avoid further mistakes.
The pitfalls of the Hermanos Rodríguez Circuit
The Mexican Grand Prix, with its altitude and fast corners, represents a unique challenge for all the teams. The track is over 2000 meters above sea level, which affects not only the performance of the cars, but also the physical condition of the drivers. Tyre management will be crucial, as will the ability to find the right aerodynamic balance, given the lower air density.
Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull will have to work hard to adapt their cars to these particular conditions, knowing that every point could make the difference in the fight for the titles.
Mexico GP Schedule
The Mexican Grand Prix will take place from 25 to 27 October and will be broadcast live on Sky Sport F1. After a Sprint weekend, the traditional format will return with three free practice sessions. Here are all the times for the weekend:
• Friday 14th October
20pm-30pm – Free Practice 21 (Sky Sport F30)
00pm-00pm – Free Practice 01 (Sky Sport F30)
• Saturday October 26
19:30-20:30 – Free Practice 3 (Sky Sport F1) 23:00-00:00 – Qualifying (Sky Sport F1, replay on TV8 on Sunday before the race)
• Sunday October 27
21pm – Race (delayed on TV00 at 8pm)
