Fast facts ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix

Just a number of days on from the United States Grand Prix, the American triple-header continues with the Mexico City race. F1Technical’s Balázs Szabó picks out some very important facts ahead of Round 21 of the 2022 F1 season that takes place at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

Short observe – The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez belongs to the shorter race tracks on the present Grand Prix calendar. The Mexico City circuit is simply 4.304km lengthy. To full the total race distance of 305.354km, drivers might want to cowl 71 laps in whole in immediately’s race.

The regular velocity restrict – Drivers have to stick to a velocity restrict of 80kph in the pit lane throughout the apply periods, the qualifying and the race. Pitting for brand new tyres requires a complete of 22 seconds in green-flag circumstances whereas doing that below digital or actual security automotive interval see drivers saving up round seven seconds.

Remarkable historical past – Today’s race will likely be the twenty second Mexican Grand Prix which is now formally known as the Mexico City Grand Prix. The occasion first appeared on the calendar in 1963 and commenced life as the Magdalena Mixhuca circuit. The sport visited the venue till 1970 inclusive. An additional seven races passed off from 1986 to 1992 and after a 23-year hiatus, the discipline returned to Mexico in 2015.

Five events – The Formula One Drivers’ title has been gained in Mexico City on 5 events thus far. Next to John Surtees, Denny Hulme and Graham Hill, Lewis Hamilton secured two of his title in Mexico.

Incredible environment – The final part of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is known as Foro Sol which is a real stadium part, one the place each driver receives a rapturous reception on each one of the 71 laps. Fittingly, it’s additionally the place the podium ceremony takes place, making it one of the spectacular of the season.

Special circuit – The important straight is an effective 1.2km lengthy whereas the second and third sector consists of sluggish corners and a collection of esses the place aero downforce is a key requirement. The most distinctive function of the circuit is its altitude. In truth, it has the highest altitude of any circuit and by fairly some margin, located 2,285 metres above sea stage, five-times the peak of the PETRONAS Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur.

Critical begin – The above talked about lengthy start-finish straight often play a crucial position at the begin with the greatest instance represented by Max Verstappen’s good getaway and impressive transfer into the first nook that noticed him make a soar on pole-sitter Valtteri Bottas and his group mate Lewis Hamilton.

Even if there’s an offset of 230m between the begin and the end line, the part from the pole place to the first nook is comparatively lengthy. Getting a great getaway is crucial at the begin as the slipstreaming impact is kind of highly effective down that route.

Unique place – The already talked about excessive altitude at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez poses a novel set of problem to the race vehicles. Situated some 2285m above sea stage, the thinner air closely impacts virtually all parts of the vehicles.

The much less oxygen going into the inner combustion engine implies that the turbo has to work more durable to mitigate that impact. The turbocharger has to spin sooner to generate extra stress, however it additionally implies that it’s below higher stress. The decrease air density additionally impacts the cooling of the brakes and the energy unit.

Quite spectacular – There are three DRS zones in Mexico. The first zone has a detection level 70m after Turn 9 and an activation level 80m after Turn 11. The following two zones share a detection level, situated at the exit of Turn 15. The second zone begins 165m after Turn 17 and the third activation level is 115m after Turn 3.

Several modifications – The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez has gone by some modifications in comparison with final yr. The wall between Turn 1 and Turn 2 has been realigned to be parallel to the observe. The kerbs between Turn 1 and Turn 4 have been adjusted. Furthermore, the wall on the right-hand aspect of Turn 12 has been prolonged by three metres.

The most profitable driver – Max Verstappen is the most profitable driver at races in Mexico, with three wins, in 2017, 2018 and final yr. Jim Clark, Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Lewis Hamilton have all gained the well-known and beloved occasion on two events apiece.

The most profitable constructors – There’s no outright winner in the standings for group wins in Mexico. Red Bull Racing, Mercedes, Williams, McLaren and Lotus all have three wins every. Formula One’s most profitable group Ferrari has recorded two wins thus far.

High proportion – Formula One returned to spectacular and difficult Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez of Mexico in 2015. Despite to the comparatively massive run-off zones, the digital security automotive or the Bernd Maylander-driven security automotive needed to make an look in virtually every of the final six editions of the Mexican Grand Prix, including an extra issue to the race technique and spectacle of the race.

Smart and fortunate – Pitting for brand new tyres throughout a security automotive interval is kind of advantageous round the Mexico City observe as nicely. A traditional pit cease requires 22 seconds in whole whereas doing that whereas the Safety Car is on the observe can present drivers with a internet acquire of seven seconds.

Under management – Fuel utilization has not been a difficulty in recent times as vehicles don’t solely produce much less downforce, but additionally much less drag as a consequence of the thinner air.

Milestone – Charles Leclerc is ready to make his one centesimal Formula 1 begin right here on Sunday. The Monegasque driver made his debut with Alfa Romeo at the 2018 Australian Grand Prix earlier than switching to Ferrari in the following season.