Ferrari experienced ‘one of the strongest weekends of the season’ at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, according to team boss Frédéric Vasseur. A week later, the Mexican Grand Prix is already on the schedule, and the Frenchman believes the altitude of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez presents unique challenges. ‘Finding the right balance this weekend is crucial,’ says Vasseur.
Charles Leclerc just missed out on second place to Lando Norris in Austin, but Ferrari still looks back on the American race weekend with more than satisfaction. With a final third place for the Monegasque and a fourth place for teammate Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari scored valuable points in the constructors’ battle with Mercedes and Red Bull. Team boss Frédéric Vasseur therefore labels the American race weekend as ‘one of the strongest weekends of the season’ for the Scuderia.
Challenges
“It’s important that we maintain this high level of focus and determination for the final part of the year,” the Frenchman now looks ahead to the upcoming Grands Prix. The first on the calendar is the Mexican Grand Prix. “Mexico presents very different challenges (than Austin), especially because of the altitude, which affects cooling, engine performance, aerodynamics, and tire behavior.” The circuit of Mexico, the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, is located at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level. This makes it the highest racetrack in relation to sea level on the current calendar. Learn more about Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
According to Vasseur, the altitude therefore also brings unique challenges. “Finding the right balance between all these factors is crucial this weekend,” continues the Ferrari team boss, who is also looking forward to the race. “The atmosphere in Mexico is always incredible, thanks to the energy and enthusiasm of the fans, which can be felt throughout the weekend.” Read more about the Mexican Grand Prix atmosphere.
