One year ago in Mexico
Let's remember last year's events of the Mexican weekend.
The Mexican Grand Prix that returning to the Formula 1 calendar in 2015, is considered one of the unique stages in the championship. First of all, because the circuit - the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is located at a very high altitude - 2285 meters above sea level. And that's why the teams have to look for the optimal settings for the cars to work in thin air.
The track in Mexico usually fits by its characteristics the Red Bull cars, at least it was in the last few years, when the drivers of the team earned here poles and wins. As, for example, it happened last year.
In Saturday's qualifying, the Red Bull drivers desperately fought for the pole position. In a decisive attempt, Daniel Ricciardo literally snatched the pole from under the nose of his teammate. The fans expected a tough fight between Daniel and Max also at the start of Sunday's race. However, Lewis Hamilton intervened in their fight, and by the end of the first lap Ricciardo lost two positions and defended against Vettel, who at the time was driving fourth.
The Mexican track traditionally isn’t suitable for Mercedes cars. Last year, Lewis failed to win the title with the victory. He finished on the fourth position, which however didn’t prevent him from officially taking the championship title.
Moreover, the upcoming weekend may also become a championship for the Briton. If Lewis wins the race and sets the fastest lap, and his teammate Valtteri Bottas finishes fourth or lower, then this Sunday Lewis will become a six-time Formula 1 World champion.
There are also a few more conditions for early winning the title:
- Hamilton wins the race, Bottas finishes fifth or lower, and the best lap will be driven by the driver of the other team;
- Hamilton finishes second and Bottas is eighth or lower without showing the best lap;
- Hamilton finishes third, Bottas is tenth or lower, without showing the best lap.
Nevertheless, despite the fairly simple and very real conditions, the Mexican weekend can be difficult for Lewis, and therefore the championship of the driver can be postponed to the USA Grand Prix.
Ferrari as and Red Bull performs at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez quite strongly. However, the tactic mistakes can prevent the team as usual, as it was last year, when the drivers stayed on the track for too long on the softest tyres. And also the drama inside the team is heated every Grand Prix, which also prevents the drivers to show good results.
In addition, the weather conditions can make the Mexican Grand Prix this year very interesting and spectacular. At the moment, the weather forecast promises rainy weather during the race weekend. On Friday, the probability of rain is 60%, on Saturday and Sunday – 80%.