Why F1's 2026 cars are unusually quick in Mexico
The Race • • sports
Key Points:
- Charles Leclerc's FP1 time at the 2026 Mexican Grand Prix was 0.252 seconds faster than the 2025 FP1 best, marking the first time 2026 cars have outpaced 2025 models in an FP1 session this season.
- The resurfaced track and increased support series activity have contributed to improved track conditions, aiding faster lap times compared to previous years.
- Mexico's high altitude affects the 2026 cars less negatively than the 2025 ground-effect cars, as the newer cars have less downforce to lose and their power units perform better in thinner air.
- The 2026 cars show a significant speed advantage on straights but lose some of it in low-speed corners, resulting in the smallest qualifying time gap between 2025 and 2026 cars of the season.
- Overall, Mexico's track and altitude conditions make it one of the best venues for demonstrating the performance potential of the 2026 Formula 1 cars.
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