Mexico is currently being hit by Hurricane Otis, but it is not expected to affect this weekend’s Formula 1 race in its capital city.
The climatic conditions for this weekend’s race will be more typical for the region – which are quite unusual as far as the F1 calendar goes. Mexico City’s 2,285 metre altitude means the air is thinner, reducing aerodynamic performance and making it much harder to cool the cars.It will be cloudy on Friday when practice begins, but the sun should start to break through by the time the F1 field takes to the track. Maximum air temperatures of around 25C expected in the second practice session, which begins at 4pm, and there is an outside chance of rain with a 40% chance of a shower currently forecast.
The next two days will be slightly warmer and the low threat of rain will recede even further. Third practice in the middle of Saturday being held when it’s likely only 23C but with an increase to 26C by the time qualifying starts at 3pm.
The grand prix will start at 2pm on Sunday again with the air temperature expected to be around 26C. After last year’s scorching trip to Mexico, this is set to be the second hottest grand prix in Mexico since F1 returned to the country in 2015.
It’s not unusual to see considerable variation in track temperatures during this race, with a range of up to 10C seen in some recent events. That can make tyre selection tricky. Last year Mercedes chose a more conservative strategy for the race than rivals Red Bull, and paid the price as Max Verstappen won as he pleased.
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Jere (@jerejj)
26th October 2023, 8:38
Typical temp range rather than hot per se.