Formula 1 Insight: 2016 Mexico Grand Prix

As another Formula 1 race weekend approaches, the anticipation is reaching new heights. The remaining three races will not only decide the close title contention between Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, but is also important in adjudging the final constructor results. Ergo, the Mexican Grand Prix stands as a very important loop in the chain that is the 2016 Formula 1 season. So, as we celebrate Diwali on our side of the hemisphere with colours of light and butter lamps, the other side will also be celebrating with a bunch of clamorous V6-propelled hybrid F1 cars at the Mexican Grand Prix. 

The venue is the renowned Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City, Mexico and we take a look at its history, the current track and how its surroundings affect the race and ultimately the final results. 

The first Mexican GP dates back to November 1962, however, due to some reasons it was called-off intermittently between 1971 and 1985 and between 1993 and 2014. However, with its revival in the 2015 season, which was won by Nico Rosberg, the Mexican GP came to life once again with fresh new excitement.

What makes the track more interesting is the unexpected results that it has produced over the years. For instance, no racer in the world has won a race in Mexico more than twice and only three have won two times, namely Jim Clark, Nigel Mansell and Alain Prost. 

The Track

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The funny part in racing is the slightest of the factors could alter the results dramatically, and that is the sole reason for the participants to push the vehicles and the research and development to their extremes. Factors such as humidity, atmospheric temperature, the speed of the wind, altitude, etc. leave drastic effects on the outcome of the race. 

In the Mexican GP’s case, the altitude of the track is a very crucial attribute, as the track is situated at 2240 meters (7340ft) from the sea level, which offers a unique challenge for all the competitors. The thin air certainly causes a bit of power loss, along with a fraction of the drop in downforce -- causing loss of grip as well. 

Looking at the image of the track, one can easily make out that it is a fast circuit, and as a matter of fact the straight is one of the fastest as compared to the majority of other F1 venues. However, it has its share of technicalities, firstly because of the speed, and secondly, because of the fluctuating height of the track itself.

The long straight lets the driver carry tremendous top speed (highest recorded for the 2015 season was 366.4kmph!), however, hard braking by the end of it pushes the bar of gravitational forces acting upon the driver to 4Gs! The first turn opens up into a smooth chicane, which progresses towards a long straight DRS activation zone 2, which ends into an acute left-hander (turn 4). After this point the track rises towards turn 5 and keeps ascending till the u-bend turn 6, the highest section of the track. The cars will then dart towards turn 7 via a short downhill straight of the track, all the while putting the brakes to test before moving into turn 8 into another set of smooth switchback curves. The last section of the circuit is also considered quite a tricky one, with a couple of technical curves that ultimately concludes into a smoothly banked right-hander (turn 17) onto the longest straight again and the first DRS activation zone.

The Competition

You might be aware that Mercedes is leading the constructor’s title race with 636 points. This leaves no question about the fact that they already have the title with no room left for others to cover it up even in the next three races. So, let’s keep Mercedes out of the picture for a while. 

The second spot in the constructor's title race is currently taken up by Red Bull with 400, thanks to Daniel Ricciardo’s 227 points along with Max Verstappen’s decent 165. However, the Italian steed isn’t too far off with 347 points and can certainly aim for silver, provided Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen put up a great show at Mexico with a double podium. Though, it would still take more than just the Mexico win to seal the deal for Ferrari with a second place finish. Nonetheless, it will still help them creep up the points ladder. However, with Ricciardo’s consistent performance it'll be one heck of a job for both Vettel and Raikkonen.

As far as the drivers’ conquests are concerned, Hamilton will try to outrun Rosberg in the points race, whereas the latter aims for the same. Force India’s driver Sergio Perez aims to clinch a podium finish at his home circuit, which would be interesting to witness if he achieves so. 

The race will be broadcast at 12:30 AM on October 31, right when the repeated and random burst of crackers will not fail to subdue following the Diwali celebrations. Yes, it is impossible to miss the sky full of lights on a Diwali night, but I guess the enthusiast in you will draw you closer to the TV set for the Mexican GP, right? Nevertheless, we will bring you the race report on the next day. Wishing you a very happy and safe Diwali!

Images: Formula1.com