The 3 challenges of the Grand Prix de México

Sergio Pérez, victory at home?

This is one of the questions that many people ask themselves. Will Sergio Pérez be able to win at home in Mexico? With the double already assured by Max Verstappen et Red Bull, it could be that this end of the season will be rather quiet for the Austrians. Certainly, the Dutchman has the record for victories over a season, equaled last weekend (13), to beat but with two Grands Prix after that of the Mexican capital he could play into the team's hands and let his teammate celebrate in front of his own.

But Sergio Pérez should not necessarily need Max Verstappen at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. For a few weeks now, Red Bull's RB18 has clearly been the best car in the field. You only need to see the Batavian's comeback last week in Austin to make up for the 11 seconds lost in the pits. With the best possible equipment, the Mexican will be a serious contender for success in Aztec lands. In addition, the support of his family should be of great benefit to him in key moments such as the fight for pole position or for victory on Sunday.

After the podium in 2021, victory in 2022 for Sergio Pérez? ©DPPI/A. Vincent

Pierre Gasly, regaining points and smiling

It's not going well for Pierre Gasly since the announcement of his arrival at Alpine from 2023. Two Grands Prix have taken place since then during which the Norman has not really been in his right mood, especially in Japan. But in Austin, he also appeared nervous, like his anger on the radio after a problem with the brakes. In the race, he claimed points for a long time but he ultimately sabotaged the Grand Prix himself with various errors and penalties which caused him to fall to 13^e position.

Pierre Gasly's big anger on the radio after his elimination in Q2 😳📻#USGP ???????? pic.twitter.com/AqAsO3C6Yd

— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) October 22, 2022

While the divorce with Alpha Tauri seems consumed, Pierre Gasly however intends to end this season on a good note, starting with the Grand Prix de México. That's good, it was there that he obtained one of his best results in 2021 with a 4^e place on arrival. On a route that could suit the characteristics of the AT03 like Austin, the native of Bois-Guillaume hopes to be able to bounce back to regain the points after two consecutive disappointments and launch a good dynamic before Brazil and Abu Dhabi.

ALSO READ > Gasly, bounce back in Mexico after the disappointment of the United States

Mercedes' last chance?

Max Verstappen trapped for long seconds in the pits in Austin last Sunday, Lewis Hamilton long believed to secure his first victory of the season, as well as that of Mercedes. Ultimately, the Englishman had to bow to the supremacy of the Dutchman at the wheel of an RB18 that was still just as dominant.

Although the long 1,2 km straight of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez does not work in favor of the W13s whose top speed is not their strong point, Mercedes has reason to believe in a victory, once again . Despite this handicap, the Silver Arrows could be helped by other characteristics of the Mexican route. Located more than 2.200 meters above sea level, the circuit in the Mexican capital offers lower aerodynamic drag. Disadvantaged in a straight line but helped by the altitude and winding sections like the Stadium, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell could perhaps create a surprise and climb to the top of the podium on Sunday to the delight of their fans.

Will Mexico be the scene of Mercedes' first victory? ©DPPI

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