The Mexican Grand Prix will take place at Autodromo Hermanos Rodgruez – who has been the fastest (lap) at this venue?
The Mexican Grand Prix made its debut as an unofficial race in 1962, transitioning to a championship event between 1963 and 1970 and later from 1986 to 1992.
This historic race initially took place on November 4, 1962, at the Magdalena Mixhuca circuit, which was Mexico’s first international racetrack, located within Mexico City, much like Monza in Milan, Italy, situated within a city park. The Grand Prix returned in 2015, back at the Mexico City circuit. Let’s explore which Formula 1 driver holds the record for the fastest lap time at this venue.
In 2021, Valtteri Bottas from Mercedes set the record for the fastest lap at the Mexican Grand Prix. This particular race served as the 18th round of the 2021 Formula One World Championship and also commemorated the 21st edition of the Mexican Grand Prix. Notably, it was the first time the race was held under the name “Mexico City Grand Prix,” acknowledging the sponsorship support provided by the government of Mexico City.
Bottas began the race from the pole position but lost his lead to Max Verstappen at the first corner. Unfortunately, his race took a further hit when Daniel Ricciardo hit him from behind at the next corner. Surprisingly, the race stewards determined that neither driver was at fault for the incident. As a result, both Bottas and Ricciardo found themselves at the back of the field, unable to score any points in this particular race. Although Bottas did manage to achieve the fastest lap during the race, he couldn’t receive the point for it since he finished outside the top ten. Following the regulations, the fastest lap point remained unallocated.
Bottas’ commendable feat can be attributed to several key factors. He mastered the challenging Mexico City circuit with precision, navigating its high-altitude conditions and twisty sections with finesse. This adaptability allowed him to extract every ounce of speed from his car, a critical aspect in setting a record lap.
Does Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez encourage faster timings?
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, situated in Mexico City, is renowned for its track layout that encourages faster lap times. The circuit boasts several characteristics that make it conducive to speed. The track features long straights, including the iconic main straight known as the “Foro Sol Straight,” where Formula 1 cars can reach their maximum speeds. This extended straight allows drivers to unleash the full power of their engines and achieve impressive speeds.
The circuit incorporates challenging high-speed corners, such as the famous “Peraltada Turn.” These corners demand precision and bravery from the drivers as they navigate through them at high velocities, further contributing to faster overall lap times. The relatively high altitude of Mexico City also plays a role in encouraging faster times. At over 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) above sea level, the reduced air density can lead to lower aerodynamic drag, allowing the cars to achieve higher speeds on the straights.
The combination of these factors creates an environment where Formula 1 teams and drivers are motivated to push the boundaries of their performance, often resulting in faster lap times and thrilling races at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
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