The paddock in Mexico City is talking about this

The World Cup decision in Formula 1 is getting closer.

Mexico is the fifth from last stage this season.

The duel Max Verstappen vs. Lewis Hamilton electrifies the fans.

But that is not the only thing that is being talked about in Mexico City.

Mexico City - What is Kimi Raikkonen doing after his Formula 1 career has ended?

Can Sergio Perez fulfill his friends' ticket requests for the Grand Prix?

Why did a US investor group fail to join Alfa Romeo?

Conversation from the Formula 1 paddock in Mexico City.

Balance in the travel circus

The Formula 1 racing calendar is growing.

In 2022, the premier class of motorsport wants to host 23 Grand Prix - more than ever.

The load increases.

For the pilots, but especially for mechanics, engineers and other personnel on the world tour.

"There has to be a balance in which Formula 1 also takes a break and gives people the chance to see their families," warned Sebastian Vettel's Aston Martin team-mate Lance Stroll.

“Everyone who is part of this travel circus feels exhaustion,” admitted McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo.

Simulation games by Kimi Raikkonen

The seat next to Alpine driver Esteban Ocon at the press conference was initially empty.

Kimi Raikkonen was late.

After the finale in Abu Dhabi, the Alfa Romeo driver says goodbye to Formula 1. Plans?

"Not yet, I'm looking forward to the end of the year and getting back to a normal life," said the 42-year-old Finn.

Raikkonen wants to devote more time to his family and go on vacation first.

Speculations about another future role at Alfa Romeo meant nothing to him.

“I have no plans,” said the 2007 world champion.

Ticket inquiries to Sergio Perez

As a local hero, Sergio Perez is particularly popular in Mexico.

The Red Bull driver from Guadalajara received many ticket requests from friends before his home Grand Prix.

“I don't have any,” was Perez's reply.

After the 2020 race was canceled by Corona, the 31-year-old is looking forward to returning.

“I am very happy to be here again,” he said and did some advertising laps with a show car on the Paseo de la Reforma in advance.

Most recently, Perez landed on the podium twice in a row, but is missing a podium in Mexico.

"I want to keep my form," he assured.

Broken deals on the home stretch

The deal was on the home stretch.

Michael Andretti, son of US racing legend Mario Andretti and himself once active as a driver in Formula 1 for McLaren in 1993, wanted to take over shares in the Alfa Romeo Sauber racing team with a group of investors.

The Swedish owners had a corresponding offer.

The deal fell through.

“Basically, the last hours of the negotiations were about control issues.

The deal failed because of that, ”IndyCar team owner Andretti told English media.

In the end, it wasn't "the right thing" for him.

“So we keep looking for other opportunities.” Dpa