The Mexico City GP Watchlist
Five things you need to know ahead of our weekend in Mexico City
Published
29 OCT 2026
Est. reading time
2 min
Formula 1 heads to Mexico City for Round 19 of the 2026 season, as the grid takes on the unique challenges of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
From the famous stadium section to the circuit’s new track surface, there’s plenty to look out for as Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz get ready for the weekend.
Get ready for the Mexico City Grand Prix with these five things to look out for!
A Long Run to Turn One
There’s plenty of opportunity to make a move at the start in Mexico City. The long main straight leads into a heavy braking zone at Turn 1, where drivers can use the slipstream to close in on the cars ahead before making a move. With 71 laps around the 4.304km circuit, a strong start could make a real difference to Alex and Carlos’ races.
Into the Stadium
The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is home to one of the most recognisable sections on the F1 calendar. The circuit winds through the Foro Sol stadium, where the grandstands surround the cars as they navigate the tight corners. The atmosphere here is a highlight of the weekend, especially during the podium celebrations, so keep an eye out as Alex and Carlos make their way through this unique part of the lap.
Racing at Altitude
Mexico City sits around 2,200 metres above sea level, making it the highest circuit on the F1 calendar. The thinner air affects both aerodynamic downforce and drag, meaning teams need to find the right balance between cornering grip and straight-line speed. It also makes cooling the power unit and brakes more difficult, particularly when following another car, adding another challenge for the drivers throughout the weekend.
What’s New? A Fresh Track Surface
Large sections of the circuit have been resurfaced for 2026, making this a key talking point ahead of the weekend. The work covers the stretch from Turn 16 to 1, as well as the section from Turn 7 through to Turn 16. The new asphalt could offer more grip, but teams will need to assess how it behaves as the track evolves across practice and qualifying. Tyre warm up and graining will be particularly important to watch as Alex and Carlos get to grips with the new surface.
The Mexican Fiesta
The racing isn’t the only thing that makes Mexico City special. Fans bring plenty of colour to the grandstands, often sporting traditional Lucha libre wrestling masks alongside flags, face paint and team colours. The masks are inspired by Mexico’s famous professional wrestling culture and have become a familiar sight around the Grand Prix. Keep an eye out for the creative designs in the crowd this year!
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