Preview: Alex prepares for a high-altitude challenge in Mexico City

Find how Alex is feeling ahead of taking on the iconic Autodrómo Herons Rodriguez circuit.

Published

29 OCT 2026

Est. reading time

3 min

The Formula 1 season heads to Mexico City for the 19th round of the championship, with Alex preparing for a weekend at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Here’s what to expect from the Mexico City Grand Prix.

His thoughts

“I love coming to Mexico and the fans are incredible here. It's a unique challenge, the stadium section is something you don’t get anywhere else, and the air is so thin that even with maximum downforce the car feels like it’s running low downforce, so you slide around a lot and grip is hard to find.”

“Luke will be in my car for FP1, which is great experience for him, but we'll need to get up to speed quickly in FP2 to put ourselves in the best position possible ahead of the weekend."

The track

The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez has been part of Mexico’s motorsport history since 1959 and is named after Mexican racing brothers Ricardo and Pedro Rodríguez.

Measuring 4.304km, the circuit features 17 corners and a long main straight where cars reach high speeds before braking heavily into Turn 1. The flowing Esses provide another challenge, while the lap’s most distinctive feature is the section through the Foro Sol stadium, where drivers race in front of packed grandstands.

At more than 2,200 metres above sea level, the circuit’s altitude also plays a significant role in car performance, affecting aerodynamics, power unit performance and cooling. With 71 laps on Sunday, managing these demands will be important throughout the Grand Prix.

Previous outings

Alex has enjoyed some strong results in Mexico City, with his best finish coming in 2019 when he crossed the line P5 for Red Bull. He also scored points in 2023, finishing P9 after starting P14.

Last year, Alex started P17 and finished P12, one lap down, as he looked to make progress through the field. He’ll be hoping to build on his previous experience of the circuit and put together a competitive weekend in 2026.

The weather

Sunny conditions are expected throughout the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend, with warm temperatures forecast for all three days. With little chance of rain, the focus is likely to remain on finding the right setup and managing the demands of the circuit, particularly given the challenges posed by the high altitude.

The timings

With Mexico City following just a week after Austin, the time-zone shift is less dramatic than the one between Singapore and the United States. Fans across the Americas can look forward to prime-time viewing, while supporters in the UK, Europe and Africa will have evening sessions to enjoy. For fans in Asia and Oceania, the action will take place in the early hours of the morning.

Check the timings below to find out when to catch Alex on track wherever you are in the world.