What's Happening?
During the first practice day of the 2025 Mexican Grand Prix, Formula 1 teams faced challenges on a low-grip track in Mexico City. Max Verstappen's Red Bull showed impressive speed during qualifying simulations but lagged behind Mercedes and Ferrari on long
runs using medium C3 tires. McLaren's Lando Norris excelled in long runs on C4 soft tires, but comparisons were difficult due to different tire choices. Oscar Piastri, Norris's teammate, struggled to match his pace, continuing issues from the previous race in Austin. The track's low grip may have exaggerated the performance differences between tire compounds, affecting team strategies.
Why It's Important?
The performance discrepancies observed during the practice sessions could significantly impact team strategies and race outcomes. Red Bull's advantage in front-end grip, particularly in slow-speed sections, may give them an edge in qualifying. However, the medium tire's poor performance on the dirty track could alter race strategies, as teams may opt for different tire compounds to optimize grip. The results of these practice sessions could influence team decisions on car setups and tire choices, potentially affecting the championship standings and team dynamics.
What's Next?
As the weekend progresses, teams are expected to make balance changes to adapt to the track's unique conditions. The volatile weather and track temperature fluctuations in Mexico City could lead to sudden shifts in car performance. Teams will likely focus on optimizing tire performance and car balance to improve grip and overall pace. The upcoming practice sessions and qualifying rounds will be crucial for teams to refine their strategies and address any performance issues observed during the initial practice day.
