The opening practice sessions of the 2026 Mexican Grand Prix delivered immediate drama in the Formula 1 paddock as Charles Leclerc dominated by sweeping both FP1 and FP2. Leading up to the weekend, the primary paddock narrative suggested that Scuderia Ferrari's smaller turbo design would grant them a definitive advantage at the high-altitude venue where thinner air traditionally hampers engine performance.
However, telemetry data from the track revealed a narrative that shattered those initial paddock theories. On the second and third straights, the Italian constructor's straight-line speed was notably lacking, with Leclerc recording the slowest speeds among the top four teams entering Turns 4 and 12 during his soft tyre runs, proving that the turbocharger wasn't providing the expected boost advantage.
This observation was reinforced by Lewis Hamilton, whose FP2 session was cut short by a suspected power unit issue. Hamilton noted that Mercedes and Red Bull maintained their massive straight-line speed advantages seen at every race, emphasizing that the turbo was ultimately making no difference to Ferrari's raw straight-line performance.
Instead, Ferrari's true advantage in Mexico stemmed from an area where they have excelled throughout the entire season: low-speed corner performance. Leclerc navigated the early complex sections and the stadium layout with exceptional mechanical grip, generating the tyre consistency required to produce the most potent long-run pace of the afternoon.
Despite Ferrari staking an early claim to the favorite status, rivals such as Lando Norris alongside Mercedes and Red Bull remain confident. Long-run average data indicates that the chasing pack is well within striking distance once traffic and cooling laps are factored into the equation, setting up a thrilling battle for the remainder of the Mexican Grand Prix weekend.
Read Also
Simak analisis lengkap penalti start Max Verstappen dan Liam Lawson akibat insiden latihan GP Meksiko. Baca ulasan mendalam di sini!
Simak analisis lengkap penalti grid Verstappen dan Lawson di FP2 2025 serta dampaknya bagi strategi tim. Baca selengkapnya ulasan mendalam di sini.
Max Verstappen dan Liam Lawson dijatuhi penalti grid F1 GP Meksiko akibat insiden latihan bebas. Baca analisis lengkap dan kronologinya di sini!
Continue with Google
Discussion (0)
Join the Discussion!
Sign in easily to start commenting, replying, and interacting with other readers.
Latest Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!