2025 F1 Mexican Grand Prix: Mexico City Time Schedule

The 2025 Formula 1 season heads to the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez for the Mexico City Grand Prix, the 20th round of the championship. All eyes are on the drivers' title fight as Max Verstappen, fresh off closing a 65-point deficit to 40, looks to further chip away at Oscar Piastri's lead. Verstappen has a strong record in Mexico, with five wins, and the track historically favors Red Bull. The key question is whether Piastri can staunch the bleeding of points.

Why it matters:

The Mexico City Grand Prix is a critical juncture in the 2025 F1 season, potentially narrowing the championship battle even further. With Verstappen gaining significant ground on Piastri in recent races, this event could be pivotal in determining the eventual world champion. A strong performance by Verstappen in Mexico, a track where he typically excels, could put immense pressure on Piastri as the season nears its conclusion.

The Details:

• Friday, October 24th (BST):
  • Free Practice 1: 19:30
  • Free Practice 2: 23:00
• Saturday, October 25th (BST):
  • Free Practice 3: 18:30
  • Qualifying: 22:00
• Sunday, October 26th (BST):
  • Race Start: 20:00 (due to daylight saving time change)
• The Grand Prix will consist of 71 laps.
• Daylight Saving Time change: Clocks will go back on Saturday night into Sunday, affecting the local race start time.

The Big Picture:

Red Bull has historically performed well at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, often suiting their car's characteristics, which could give Verstappen a significant advantage. However, Piastri's consistent performance throughout the season has kept him in the lead, highlighting his resilience. The high altitude of Mexico City also presents unique challenges for car setup and engine performance, adding another layer of complexity to the race weekend.

What's next:

The outcome of the Mexico City Grand Prix will undoubtedly set the tone for the final few races of the 2025 season. If Verstappen can secure another victory, or at least significantly outscore Piastri, the championship will be on a knife-edge. Conversely, if Piastri can manage to hold his own and limit the damage, he will maintain a healthier lead heading into the concluding rounds. Teams will be closely monitoring strategy and tire degradation given the unique track conditions, making for a thrilling and unpredictable race.