The Mexican Grand Prix is one of the most anticipated events on the Formula 1 calendar. The single-seaters race at speeds exceeding 300 km/h, and strategies are decided in milliseconds, making the understanding of what happens on the track crucial to fully enjoy the race.
At the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, every decision on the track and every strategy is fundamental as the best drivers in the world compete for victory. Teams fight not only for the drivers' championship but also for the constructors' championship, earning points through both drivers.
A pit stop, where tires are changed in less than three seconds, can radically alter the course of a race. A poorly executed pit stop can ruin chances of victory, while a perfect one can be decisive.
The concept of "undercut" involves entering the pits before a rival to gain time with fresh tires and thus be faster on the track. On the other hand, the "overcut" means staying on the track longer before the stop to take advantage of the position before stopping in the pits.
The points system awards the winner of each race 25 points, following a descending scale down to the tenth place, which receives 1 point. Additionally, the driver with the fastest lap earns an extra point if they are among the top ten.
The Safety Car comes into action in case of incidents that may endanger the drivers, while the DRS (Drag Reduction System) allows drivers to reduce aerodynamic drag in certain areas of the track to facilitate overtaking. Tires, which vary in types depending on track conditions, are a crucial part of the race strategy.
On the starting grid, determined by qualifying times, starting from the front positions provides a key advantage in the early corners. The pole position is awarded to the driver who achieves the best time in qualifying, granting them the first place in the starting formation.
