Track: Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez
Number of Laps: 71
Circuit Length: 2.7 miles (4.3km)
Race Length: 190.8 miles (305.4km)
Start Time: 19:00 GMT
Fastest Lap (Original Circuit): 1:16.346 (Nigel Mansell, Canon Williams Renault,1992)
Fastest Race Lap (Original Circuit): 1:16.788 (Nigel Mansell, Canon Williams Renault, 1991)
1992 Pole Position: Nigel Mansell, Canon Williams Renault, 1:16.346
1992 Race Winner: Nigel Mansell, Canon Williams Renault
Tyre Compounds: Soft, Medium, Intermediate, Wet
First F1 Grand Prix: 1963
Most Wins (Championship Events): Jim Clark, Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell (2), Lotus, McLaren, Williams (3)
Formula One returns to Mexico for the first time in over two decades after a brilliant United States Grand Prix.
Both championships have already been decided, meaning that there is nothing for Rosberg and Vettel to lose in their bids to end champion Hamilton’s run of race wins.
Valtteri Bottas narrowly missed out on a podium in Russia, but he and his teammate Felipe Massa have reasons to be cheerful. Despite the revisions to the circuit and the butchering of the infamous Peraltada, the track remains a high-speed course – suited to their FW37. Williams were the last team to win around the Autodromo and would dearly love to make it back to back wins at the circuit.
All eyes will be on homeboy Sergio Perez. The Mexican finished fifth last week after securing his fifth career podium at Sochi. The 25 year old is on a strong run of form for Force India, having beaten his teammate in five of the last six races. He will be desperate to get a good result and to help the team secure fifth place in the constructors’ championship.
Red Bull could choose to use the new Renault power unit at this race, as the long straights will not suit the RB11. The Brazilian Grand Prix follows in a fortnight’s time and the high downforce levels, coupled with the unpredictable weather, will give Red Bull their last chance to score some decent points.
The Mexican Grand Prix has produced plenty of memorable overtakes in the past. After an exciting race in Austin, let’s hope we can see plenty more as the calendar nears its climax.
