Mercedes on the back foot at F1's circuit of contradictions
The Mexico City layout puts a string of conflicting demands on car behaviour even before the altitude is factored in. Here's how the teams fared at finding the required compromises on Friday
Mexico City's Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is the ultimate Formula 1 outlier. Thanks to its elevation - 2285 metres above sea level, it offers a unique set of challenges to the teams and represents an environment where precise, finely-tuned 21st century grand prix cars are least in their element.
This also makes it an unpredictable circuit. With air density around 25% lower than at sea level the demands on the engine, aerodynamics and cooling are extreme and it's no forgone conclusion who will have the best compromise.
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