F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Mexican GP Speed Trap: who is the fastest of them all?

Because it sits at 2,200 meters above sea level, altitude is everything at Mexico City's Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Rarefied air means less downforce, which teams compensate for by running more wing, but without sacrificing too much straight-line speed.

However, the thin also puts big demands on engines, with turbos spinning faster to inject oxygen into the unit, a condition that tends to equalize engine performance among the manufacturers.

But Ferrari's power unit holds a clear edge this weekend as a glance at the speed trap readings clearly reveals.

Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc led the top velocity charge in qualifying, followed by the Ferrari's powered Haas of Kevin Magnussen.

Max Verstappen's pole position was achieved despite the Red Bull driver's RB15 clocking in 10 km/h slower down the back straight than its Scuderia counterparts.

And Alex Albon, who qualified fifth was next to last among the straight-line laggards, which points to the efficiency of the RB15 chassis in the corners.

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

F1 drivers rally around Antonelli after abuse from ‘scum of the earth’

On the eve of Formula 1’s season finale in Abu Dhabi, drivers set aside championship…

31 mins ago

Abu Dhabi GP: Thursday's media day in pictures

Formula 1's 2025 season hurtles toward its dramatic close this weekend in Yas Marina, with…

13 hours ago

Verstappen: Let McLaren play games – 'all that matters is the trophy'

In a title showdown charged with tension, numbers, and a hint of intra-team intrigue, Max…

14 hours ago

Leclerc says Ferrari early pivot to 2026 ‘a no-brainer’

Charles Leclerc isn’t sugarcoating Ferrari’s struggles this season – but he also isn’t second-guessing the…

15 hours ago

Hadjar moving to Red Bull with ‘no expectations’ amid 2026 reset

Red Bull Racing’s newest recruit, Isack Hadjar, is stepping into Formula 1’s hottest seat with…

17 hours ago

Norris won’t ask Piastri for title help: ‘It’s not really up to me’

Lando Norris may be on the brink of his first Formula 1 world championship, but…

18 hours ago