Formula 1, Round 20: The 2024 Mexican Grand Prix

We’re heading into the back-to-back race weekends that’ll wrap up the 2024 season, and we’re right in the thick of the first one after a massive weekend in the U.S. With things moving fast, here are some key storylines as we shift from Austin to Mexico City.

Mexico City Track Overview

Construction Date:

• Built in 1959.
• The track was created in Mexico City’s Magdalena Mixiuhca sports park using existing internal roads.
• Initiated by an advisor to Mexican President Adolfo Lopez Mateo, inspired by Ricardo and Pedro Rodriguez’s father.
• Track construction completed in less than a year.

First Grand Prix:

• Formula 1 cars arrived in 1962 for a non-championship race.
• The first official Grand Prix took place in 1963, won by Jim Clark.
• In the 1960s, Mexico’s race was often the season finale.
• Mexico returned to the F1 calendar in 2015.

Circuit Characteristics:

• Altitude: Located over 2km above sea level, making the 4.3km lap challenging.
• Layout: Largely follows the 1959 circuit’s outline.
• Unique Feature: The infamous Peralta corner was modified, with the track now winding through the former Foro Sol baseball stadium, creating a unique viewing experience for fans.

Is it a Three-Way Title Fight?

There’s been a lot of buzz about whether Lando Norris can close the gap on Max Verstappen and keep the title race alive, but it was actually Verstappen who extended his lead by five points in Austin. With 146 points still up for grabs and a 57-point gap, there’s still plenty on the line, even though Verstappen’s looking strong.

The real surprise in Austin came from Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc leading them to an impressive one-two finish. Leclerc’s been in great form, racking up 98 points since the summer break—the same as Norris—and they’ve both outscored Verstappen by 21 points over the past five races. While Leclerc trails Verstappen by 79 points, which is a steep climb, his recent wins and Ferrari’s consistent pace make him hard to rule out entirely.

The Constructors’ Championship Showdown

We’ve focused on the Drivers’ Championship, but the constructors’ battle is shaping up to be just as intense. Ferrari’s big score in Austin brought them right into the mix, closing the gap with second-placed Red Bull to just eight points. McLaren’s still in the lead with a 40-point buffer, but Ferrari closed in with a 27-point gain last weekend.

With 250 points still on the table, the top three teams all have a shot at the constructors’ title. Mexico will be a real test, though; the high altitude makes cars run at max downforce, yet they lose effectiveness due to the thinner air, creating a tricky, low-grip challenge for drivers.

Perez Facing a Pivotal Weekend

Sergio Perez is especially eager to deliver in front of his home crowd. He’s had a tough season since the Miami GP, only scoring 47 points in 13 races compared to 103 in the first six.

Red Bull backed him through uncertain times, but the pressure’s on as McLaren and Ferrari inch closer in the standings. With all eyes on him in Mexico, Perez will be hoping to recapture some early-season form.

Rookies Making a Splash

Perez’s seat faces extra pressure with the return of Liam Lawson at Red Bull. Lawson made waves filling in last year, and team principal Christian Horner hinted this return is a trial for the future, should Red Bull need a replacement.

Lawson scored two points in Austin despite a power unit penalty, earning praise from Helmut Marko. And Franco Colapinto has been equally impressive for Williams, with two top-10 finishes in his first four races.

Special Appearances in FP1

Two young drivers, Kimi Antonelli for Mercedes and Ollie Bearman for Haas, will get FP1 sessions in Mexico as they prep for full-time seats next season. Antonelli returns to Mercedes after debuting at Monza, while Bearman will represent Ferrari in an FP1 run after getting his start with Haas. A

lso, IndyCar star Pato O’Ward will drive for McLaren at his home race, promising a charged atmosphere for Friday’s practice session.