Alfa Romeo aiming to 'turn the tide' in Mexico

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The Alfa Romeo F1 team is aiming to better exploit the potential of its improved C42 this weekend in Mexico City after the team's disappointing result in Austin.

It was a pointless race at the Circuit of the Americas for the Swiss outfit, with Valtteri Bottas crashing after 16 laps and Zhou Guanyu crossing the checkered flag well down the order.

"We undoubtedly expected more from last weekend," lamented team boss Fred Vasseur.

"The race pace was promising, and it seemed like points were within reach for us, but eventually things didn’t go our way.

"Heading back on track right away, we have the opportunity to turn the tide and continue working on our performances, which have been improving with the upgrades we brought in Japan and Austin."

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The high-altitude situation of Mexico's Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez comes with a few challenges but it also has the potential to deliver a surprising result or two.

But Vasseur knows that to avoid any pitfalls or to capitalize on any opportunities that may come his team's way will require perfect execution from his crews and drivers.

"Mexico will be, as usual, a challenging race due to the altitude and the peculiarities of the track, so we must be at our very best to avoid making mistakes," added the Frenchman.

"We know our cars have the potential to get into Q3, and that should be our aim ahead of the weekend, to put ourselves in a favourable position to get in the fight for points and secure our place in the championship."

For Bottas, a new race equates to a fresh chance to start over, with a better result at stake.

"Looking back to Austin, it was pretty disappointing to finish the race that way, as our pace looked promising, and we may have had solid chances for a points finish," said the Finn.

"Nevertheless, a new race week offers new opportunities, and it’s up to us to make the best out of them, do our job on track, and get into the top ten at the chequered flag."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.