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Four races remain in the 2023 Formula One world championship, as the circus travels south of their last event in Texas to the bustling Mexico City for the perennially popular Mexican Grand Prix. Tune in on The Roar from 7am (AEDT) for live blog coverage and lap-by-lap updates.
While the championships themselves have been sewn up by the imperious Max Verstappen and Red Bull respectively, there is still intrigue over the minor positions and vital points in play for the constructor’s championship.
The Autodromo Hermanos Rodiguez is a unique challenge for the Formula One cars, as while its 4.3km parklands style circuit appears simple on paper – the high-altitude nature of the location makes the air thinner and tougher on the cars.
Reliability is always a concern through the 71-laps here and therefore a race of attrition could see unlikely results on offer. Pirelli bringing the softest tyre compounds in their range as well, should see a variety of strategy options during the race – including possible two-stops.
Overtaking is aided at this circuit, by the long pit-straight with DRS as well as two other straights – including the one in the run up to the stadium section.
Ferrari stunned with a front-row lockout and at no point appearing as if they were on the money, as Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz outqualified Verstappen. In terms of race pace, the Scuderia are still only fourth quickest behind Mercedes and McLaren – who start further down.
A standout effort from Daniel Ricciardo in the AlphaTauri, bringing the underwhelming AT04 to the lofty heights of fourth – ahead of Red Bull’s Sergio Perez. The Aussie’s race pace should see him plummet, though it will be interesting to see him robust in defence.
Yuki Tsunoda in the other car will start from the back of the field, having been stung by grid penalties for wholesale changes to his car. Joining a big name in McLaren’s Lando Norris who failed to make it out of Q1 at the rear.
Verstappen regardless of where he starts, is still favourite for the race. Ferrari despite their shock poles, could be in contention for best of the rest if they can get their strategy to work and keep the quicker cars behind.
Will we see another Max masterclass in Mexico City? Or will one of the chasing aspirants break through for a first win in 2023?
Lights out: 7am (AEDT)
Venue: Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City
TV: Fox Sports
Streaming: Kayo Sports
Grid
1. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), 2. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari), 3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull), 4. Daniel Ricciardo (AlphaTauri), 5. Sergio Perez (Red Bull), 6. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), 7. Oscar Piastri (McLaren), 8. George Russell (Mercedes), 9. Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo), 10. Guanyu Zhou (Alfa Romeo), 11. Pierre Gasly (AlphaTauri), 12. Nico Hülkenberg (Haas), 13. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), 14. Alexander Albon (Williams), 15. Esteban Ocon (Alpine), 16. Kevin Magnussen (Haas), 17. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin), 18. Lando Norris (McLaren), 19. Logan Sargeant (Williams), 20. Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri)
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