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Formula 1
heads to the second round of the Americas triple-header at the circuit named
after brothers Pedro and Ricardo Rodríguez in Mexico City, a unique venue on
the calendar due to its altitude of over 2,000 metres above sea level.
For the 2026 edition of the Grand Prix, Pirelli has selected the softest
trio in its range: C3 as Hard, C4 as Medium and C5 as Soft. This marks a
different choice from last year, when a compound step was attempted with the
C2 as Hard, a solution that ultimately proved less appealing from a
performance perspective than the softer alternatives.
The main
novelty for the weekend is the resurfacing of a large portion of the
circuit. The work covered the section from Turn 16 to Turn 1 and the stretch
from Turn 7 to Turn 16, leaving only the first sector largely unchanged. New
asphalt is normally associated with higher grip levels and lower roughness
compared to an older surface. However, it will be important to assess its
actual characteristics during the opening stages of the weekend.
The
Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez has traditionally been one of the least
demanding circuits on tyres. Its many low-speed corners and limited lateral
loads tend to keep wear under control. At the same time, the thin air
reduces the aerodynamic load generated by the cars, increasing tyre slip and
making graining a factor to watch closely. With a new and smoother asphalt
surface, this characteristic could play an even more significant role in
shaping strategy.
In Mexico, the track is often quite dirty during
the first sessions, with grip improving significantly lap after lap. This
year, that evolution could be even more pronounced given the extensive
resurfacing work.
From a strategic point of view, the circuit’s low
severity and the behaviour of the three compounds on tracks with similar
characteristics could favour a one-stop race. Tyre management to extend
stints will nevertheless remain an important factor, particularly
considering that the rear axle is the most heavily stressed.
The
difference between the various strategic options may depend more on the
confidence a driver can extract from a particular compound than on any
genuine tyre life limitation. As seen at several events this season, some
teams may be more inclined towards the softer compounds in order to benefit
from the additional grip available, while others may favour the consistency
and stability offered by the Hard.
In any case, the Soft could once
again play a central role. The C5 has demonstrated strong characteristics on
low-severity circuits and could prove an attractive option not only in
qualifying but also in the race, broadening the range of strategic
possibilities compared to previous seasons.
Another aspect to monitor
will be braking performance. The altitude reduces aerodynamic efficiency and
can make the management of the heaviest braking zones more challenging. The
long main straight leading into Turn 1 could increase the risk of lock-ups,
especially during the early stages of the weekend when grip levels are still
limited.
In
2025
Last year’s grid was split between one-stop and two-stop strategies. Most
drivers chose to start on the Soft tyre, while only six cars opted for the
Medium and two for the Hard. The softest compound was also used by those
running a two-stop race, fitting it for the final stint thanks to extremely
low degradation and the absence of graining.
Statistics
This will be the sixth Grand Prix held under the Mexico City Grand Prix
name. The Mexican race had previously been part of the World Championship
for twenty editions as the Mexican Grand Prix, always at the Hermanos
Rodríguez circuit, until 2019. After a one-year absence from the calendar,
it returned in 2021 under its current title. At the Mexico City venue, the
most successful driver is Max Verstappen with five victories, the same
number of wins achieved by Red Bull. |
