High altitude challenge in Mexico City: How F1 drivers conquer thin air

Located 2,240 meters above sea level, this track stands as the highest on the F1 calendar, demanding special adaptations from both cars and drivers.

At such altitudes, the air is notably thinner, affecting the performance of F1 machines. The reduced air density means that teams can equip their cars with Monaco-style wings but receive only Monza-levels of downforce. This unique circumstance can significantly impact race strategies.

Ricciardo, a seasoned driver with experience in every Mexican Grand Prix since its return in 2015, shared his perspective on the altitude challenge. He noted that, surprisingly, the actual driving experience in the car doesn't feel significantly different from other races.

"In the car, it doesn't feel that different, maybe it is because we are sitting, and maybe the muscles we use don't really spike the heart rate too much," AlphaTauri driver Ricciardo explained.

However, the impact of the high altitude becomes apparent in more subtle ways. Drivers experience changes in their physical condition, especially during rest periods.

"I don't know what it is, but I remember the races here not being that much more physical, but I definitely feel it when I sleep," Ricciardo shared. "Whenever I wake up in the morning, I just feel a little bit short of breath, as if someone has put a pillow over your face, so I'll make sure I've locked my room properly."

The unique challenge is also noticeable during physical training. "It's just a little bit less sleep than in the gym, like if we get on the treadmill or anything like that, you feel it," Ricciardo added.

Unlike some other sports, Formula 1 drivers do not have the luxury of arriving weeks in advance to acclimatize to the altitude. Instead, they must adapt quickly to the conditions on race weekend.

"As I said, in the car, it is not too bad," Ricciardo emphasized. "Like if we were coming here to run a marathon, we would definitely need to prepare differently, but it's not too bad for us."

The upcoming Mexican Grand Prix promises exciting racing action at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. The track is renowned for its smooth tarmac, which typically results in low levels of tire degradation. This characteristic makes track position and tire selection crucial for success, given the limited overtaking opportunities on the 4.304-kilometre circuit.

As Formula 1 enthusiasts gear up for this high-altitude showdown in Mexico City, they can expect the unexpected challenges brought by the thin air, where cars fly with less downforce, but the drivers remain committed to conquering the heights.

 

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