As F1 rolls into Mexico with a three-way title fight ensuring, here is a guide to the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix.
Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli arrives in Mexico needing just two more points to wrap up the title and become F1’s youngest champion, but Mexico has a habit of throwing up surprises with its low altitude which offers Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull a chance at victory.
Mexico also will see several driver swaps just for FP1 so here is a run down of which teams will be running reserve and test drivers in FP1.
| Team | FP1 Driver |
| Mercedes | Frederik Vesti |
| Red Bull | Ayumu Iwasa |
| McLaren | Leonardo Fornaroli |
| Racing Bulls | Nikola Tsolov |
| Alpine | Gabriele Mini |
| Haas | Ryo Hirakawa |
| Audi | Freddie Slater |
| Williams | Luke Browning |
| Aston Martin | Jak Crawford |
| Cadillac | Colton Herta |
Now, here is everything you need to know ahead of 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix.
Track Guide
Race Distance: 305.354km
Tyre Compounds: C3, C4, C5
Circuit: Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
Schedule
| Date | Session | Time (GMT) |
| Friday 30 October | FP1 | 6:30pm |
| Friday 30 October | FP2 | 10:00pm |
| Saturday 31 October | FP3 | 6:30pm |
| Saturday 31 October | Qualifying | 10:00pm |
| Sunday 1 November | Race | 8:00pm |
Four Key Pointers
- Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is situated at high-altitude which will place huge pressures upon the turbo section of power unit and cooling within the car.
- Strong reliable brakes will be important given the potential high temperatures and limited cooling opportunities due to the thin air.
- Avoiding contact in the opening corners of the race will be crucial to keeping to planned race strategies.
- Slipstreaming along the very-long main straight can be crucial at the race start meaning that the front row might not be the best place to start if those behind can get a tow to Turn One.
Last Time Out
McLaren’s Lando Norris seized the title lead on F1’s last visit to Mexico in 2025 after he led from pole to checkered flag to take a comfortable victory, and subsequently retained the championship lead throughout the remainder of the season to claim his first title.
Title Permutations
For Antonelli to win the title at his second mathematical opportunity, he needs the following scenario to play out:
| Antonelli needs | Russell to finish | Hamilton to finish |
| 9th or higher | second or lower | second or lower |
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