What is special about the course of Mexico?
The unusual thing about Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, which has been part of the Formula One calendar for the past four years, is its location, more precisely its altitude. The course is located at 2285 meters above sea level, the air is thin. This is especially troublesome for the technicians: the high-altitude air has an effect on the cooling of the brake and engine. In addition, there is less abrasion than elsewhere, which means that the wings on the car must be extremely hired.
Nevertheless, the course is popular with many drivers - the mood at the race (Sunday 20.10 clock German time, TV: RTL and Sky, Liveticker: SPIEGEL) is considered exceptional, especially if it goes through the old ballpark of Mexico City. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc said: "The atmosphere is fantastic, to drive through the stadium is truly unique because you can see all the fans in the stands."
Who is the favorite to win?
The qualifying on Saturday has already given a lot of information. Max Verstappen in the Red Bull initially secured pole position before being reduced by three places. Nevertheless, he is considered a hot contender for the Grand Prix victory. The Dutchman has also won the last two races in Mexico. No one seems to get along with the course and the outside conditions as well as he does.
Dan Istitene Getty Images
At Red Bull they celebrate Max Verstappen and his Pole
Ferrari has dominated the races with Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel in the second half of the season - including Mexico, they decided six qualifying successively for themselves. They are likely to appear as the strongest rivals of Verstappen.
How will Lewis Hamilton become world champion?
That's complicated and easy at the same time. Hamilton can only be surpassed by his own Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas. The Finn is currently 64 points behind the defending champion from second place. If Hamilton is 14 points better than Bottas, then that's enough for him to win the title again.
For this it would need the following possible race exits for Hamilton:
- he wins, and Bottas is at most fifth
- he wins, gets the bonus point for the fastest lap of the race, and Bottas gets at most fourth
- He finishes second and Bottas is at most eighth and gets no bonus point for the fastest race lap
- He is third and Bottas will be at most tenth and gets no bonus point for the fastest race lap
- He will finish third, get the bonus point for the fastest race lap, and Bottas will be at most ninth
- He is third, and Bottas is without a point
Is Hamilton's early title win likely?
Rather not. Mercedes is struggling with the conditions in Mexico, Hamilton spoke in advance of the "for us heaviest race of the year". In Mexico, the Briton can not really extend his strengths to get the necessary lead on Bottas. However, the Finn built in the qualifying shortly before the gate was still a serious accident when he drove into the boundary wall. Although he survived the crash unhurt, but seemed clearly impressed. It's the question of how he puts this in the race.
An uncertain factor, however, is the weather. For the race, possible rains are announced, which can then make the race but incalculable - which would be more of an advantage for Mercedes.