Five key aspects to watch for at the F1 Mexico GP

What about the constructors’ championship?

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Antonelli is poised to secure Mercedes its first drivers' championship since Hamilton matched the record with his seventh title in the 2020 season. The wait for a constructors' championship is somewhat shorter, as the last one was achieved in 2021 before four challenging years in the ground-effect era.

As anticipated, Mercedes adapted well to the 2026 regulation changes, primarily due to its highly efficient power unit, quickly establishing dominance by winning the first six grands prix from pole position. Other teams—Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull—managed to narrow the gap by introducing upgrades and securing wins, but none have been able to genuinely challenge Mercedes’ consistent superiority.

Heading into Mexico, Mercedes has a 133-point lead over second-place Ferrari, with 215 points still available—this will drop to 172 after this weekend. Hence, it’s theoretically possible for the German team to clinch its ninth constructors’ title in Mexico—given that 43 points are up for grabs—but that scenario is unlikely.

To achieve this, Mercedes must outscore Ferrari by 39 points, which requires either a finish of first and second or, at the very least, first and third. If Mercedes secures a 1-2 finish, Ferrari would need to score no more than four points, while in the latter scenario, they cannot earn more than two points for the title to be resolved in Mexico City.

Therefore, the most probable outcome is Mercedes claiming the championship the following weekend at Interlagos.

- Ed Hardy

Will Red Bull's ongoing challenges continue?

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Recently, Motorsport.com’s Ronald Vording has been investigating two persistent issues affecting Red Bull during its late-season resurgence: poor race starts and technical glitches with the radio.

Starting with the first issue, this has hindered Red Bull throughout 2026, culminating in Isack Hadjar's remark in Austin that the team needs to redesign its clutch. This came after both he and teammate Max Verstappen lost positions at the start.

The latter problem first emerged during the Singapore race, impacting Verstappen and, for the first time this year, Hadjar at COTA. Given the current trajectory, expect ongoing scrutiny regarding these two concerns, particularly as the race-start issue is complex and likely to persist into 2027, according to team principal Laurent Mekies.

Despite these challenges, the atmosphere within Red Bull remains largely positive, as the team has surpassed McLaren for third place in the championship, with Verstappen on a podium streak of six races, including two wins.

Victory in Austin seemed unlikely given the pace of Verstappen on soft tires compared to those on hard tires, but his ability to secure a podium finish despite difficulties highlights just how much the team has evolved from the start of 2026 when it was clearly the fourth-best.

- Ed Hardy

Can Ferrari seal the deal in Mexico after a near miss in Austin?

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

Ferrari has been on the podium for three consecutive grands prix, outperforming all other teams over the last two races. However, the downside is that their winless streak has now extended to nine races. They appeared poised to break that dry spell in Austin but ultimately fell short.

Team principal Fred Vasseur noted after COTA that Ferrari had executed everything correctly except for their Q3 laps. Those costly mistakes on Saturday left Leclerc and Hamilton further back on the grid, forcing them to adopt an aggressive strategy during the race.

Leclerc managed to secure second place, leaving Ferrari feeling optimistic after Austin, with clear evidence that the competitiveness of the SF-26 is not solely reliant on the characteristics of the circuit. Nevertheless, Ferrari’s legacy demands more than just podium finishes.

Will Mexico provide the opportunity for their third victory in 2026?

Located over 2,200 meters above sea level, the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez poses a unique challenge. However, Vasseur is confident in the car's performance, asserting that the difference between winning and falling short on any given weekend often comes down to the subtle nuances of tire performance and setup. A Ferrari win in Mexico on Sunday certainly remains a possibility.

- Federico Faturos

The significance of Sergio Pérez's 300 races

Sergio Perez, Cadillac Racing

Reaching the milestone of 300 races in Formula 1 is a rare accomplishment, and this Sunday, Sergio Pérez will join the ranks of legends such as Fernando Alonso, Rubens Barrichello, Jenson Button, and Michael Schumacher.

This milestone holds a deeper significance that is likely understood more by Mexicans and Latin Americans, yet it deserves global recognition. Completing 300 Grands Prix signifies 300 moments in which 'Checo' shattered the "pay driver" stereotype— the belief that his rise in racing was solely due to sponsorship backing.

Three hundred races in, the Guadalajara native boasts a runner-up finish in the world drivers' championship, holds the record as the most accomplished Mexican driver in F1 history, and has made a comeback with Cadillac that compelled many critics to reassess their views following his difficult departure from Red Bull at the end of 2024.

The setting for this celebration may not be ideal. The days of competing for podiums at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez are long past. In 2026, merely finishing the race with Cadillac will represent a significant achievement.

Nevertheless, as Pérez starts his 300th race, he will leave a legacy that extends beyond mere statistics. His true impact lies in being a pivotal figure in Formula 1's return to Mexico and inspiring new generations to chase their dreams, echoing the motto 'Checo' has inscribed on his helmet: "Never give up."

- Luis Ramirez