Mexican Grand Prix will be “a unique challenge” warns Marcin Budkowski

La Formula 1 meet in Mexico to experience the 18th round of the season. A very special Grand Prix since the track is located at an altitude of 2000 meters, which has a significant impact on the performance of the single-seaters. “Mexico poses a unique challenge with its altitude” warns Marcin Budkowski, the executive director ofAlpine. « The air is thinner at 2000 meters altitude and this has an impact on aerodynamics and engine behavior. The races in Mexico are often atypical, because the cars have wings set at the same levels as in Monaco for effective downforce ultimately similar to Monza. This gives the car a light feeling and weak grip”.

Still according to the Pole, the main challenge for his team concerns the cooling system for the brakes and engines, in the Mexican climate. « It is also a challenge to cool the powertrain and brakes and the teams tend to use up all their cooling solutions despite normal ambient temperatures.”

During the last event in Austin, the two drivers Alpine, Fernando Alonso et Esteban Ocon, had been forced to abandon. A reaction is therefore expected this weekend, so that the French team does not lose precious points in the Manufacturers' ranking (it is in 5th place, 10 points ahead of Alpha Tauri).

Formula 1 is preparing to do three Grands Prix in three weekends, with a change of continent in the space of 7 days. A major challenge for the teams and their teams. « This is the start of an unusual and unique sequence taking us from Central America to South America before going to the Middle East. It's exciting, but it will be difficult for the team and will pose significant logistical constraints. This is a key time of the year when we must stay united, look out for each other and preserve everyone's morale in such an intense period. »