Mercedes hopes to “limit the damage” in the face of Ferrari’s top speed

The sixth consecutive world crown, secured at the last Japanese Grand Prix, took a (small) weight off the shoulders of Mercedes-AMG F1, the suspense no longer being relevant for a long time in the Manufacturers' ranking.

Just like the prospect of seeing Lewis Hamilton this year there are hardly any more doubts, the Briton could even be titled if by chance he scores 14 points more than Valtteri Bottas next Sunday at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City.

But the Germans are nevertheless expecting a difficult test, due to the configuration of the Mexican track, which is not very favorable to the W10 package with the long straights, more inclined to make the cars shine. Ferrari SF90 and their powerful Power Unit.

“The high altitude of the track poses some quite unusual challenges, as the low air density affects the car's downforce, cooling and engine performance, remember Toto wolff, boss of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport and Team Principal of the team.

It's a combination that doesn't particularly suit our car, but we will do everything to try to limit the damage. We are looking forward to the fight. »

A fight notably fought on the 1,2 km of the long straight of the track, offering the possibility for the single-seaters to approach 350 km/h.

With two victories in 2015 and 2016, the German brand has not won in Mexico City since, having been beaten in the last two years by Max Verstappen and Red Bull. But the world champion team was able to celebrate Lewis Hamilton's fifth title last year with the Briton's 4th place.

It is indeed the sixth star that the former pilot will aim for McLaren Sunday to complete Mercedes' already more than successful season.