F1 2024 MexicanGP "Autodromo Hermanos Rodriquez" Pre-Race Thread

Any changes to the track, Joe?

 

I’ve seen nothing but the FIA May issue a track update later - kerbing etc

 

Perez really needs to respond here or this will be his last home race potentially. I could see an announcement before the end of the season if Lawson remains as strong. RedBull and decorum or timing are not always aligned at all in terms of driver dismissal.

 

Wow, 400 is an incredible number!

 

Well this guy wasn’t a team player but what a racing machine !

 

If Perez is dropped from the Red Bull team (as predicted), I suppose the Mexican GP will leave the calendar at the end of the contract with Liberty..

 

Im not so sure about that. Its a gateway to Central and South Americans and closer than the US is or Europe. Its a successful race and F1 is not dependent on Checo in Mexico. Would there be a drop in interest possibly but the race attracts a large and fun crowd who appear to simply enjoy the sport overall. Checo needs to up his game but they have been asking for that for 2 years. Lawson probably needs 1 or 2 more significant races where he is clearly fast/consistent and Checo might be job hunting.

 

The Mexico GP came about in the 60s when the Rodriguez brothers became national heroes on the world scene.
After their demise, public interest faded away and Mexico ceased having a GP.
F1 returned when Mexico again had drivers on the grid (Perez and Guiterez); there was a renewed public interest, and industrialists financially backed the venture to pay the organising fees. It has to be seen if public interest in Mexico would be substained in the long term if there is no local driver on the grid. I personally doubt it.

 

Well, the race was held at the Hermanos Rodríguez since the mid 80s till the early 90s without Mexican drivers, so certainly it´s not impossible.

 

-- Heading into his home grand prix, Perez is under enormous pressure and indications at Austin were that he's unlikely to get Red Bull's latest package for this weekend.--

 

The only question is current event contract length and what Liberty intend for renewal. Will there be a substantial fee increase imposed by Liberty etc. It is certainly not about 1 driver. The promoter can leverage this but even then, such as Vettel there is not sure thing with a national driver and popularity of an F1 event. Even if Checo is moved along he is certainly a RedBull - Mexican GP ambassaor and marketable to many concerns in and out of Mexico.

 

I think if Red Bull can manage a graceful retirement for Checo (maybe transition into brand ambassador or some such) then Mexico City stays on the calendar long term. The track is great and the fans are passionate- I'd like to see it stay.

 

Does it look like any engine penalties in Mexico? Pretty hot and high track.

 

I know RB have both taken 5 PU's I think Ferrari took #4 in Monza. Seems like they would almost need another one soon

 

I remember the 1990 GP, I was in France watching the TV broadcast with Agnes, a French girlfriend who had been an F1 journalist, I had first met her at Silverstone.

Before the start she said she did not like Prost...but as the race went on she became more and more sulky... because Alain, climbing from way down on the grid, scored for Ferrari what he himself described as his best ever victory !

I teased Agnes mercilessly, cue more sulking!

See here, scroll down the page:

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/alain-prosts-greatest-drives-in-formula-1/

 

If RB had dumped Perez before this race, I think attendance would have dropped as a form of protest. But once this race is over, Perez retains his seat only if it is convenient to RB. Otherwise, he is gone and Liam jumps in to protect Max's dwindling lead. As for Mexico next year...who needs it. They could drop a date next year and maybe even do better. Or, as the talk goes, let Argentina replace Mexico on the calendar.