F1 Mexico City Grand Prix 2025: Team Principals' Insights from Friday Press Conference

Key figures from Haas, Ferrari, and Kick Sauber – Ayao Komatsu, Fred Vasseur, and Jonathan Wheatley – offered insights into team performance, driver development, and the competitive landscape of Formula 1 during the Friday press conference at the Mexico City Grand Prix. Discussions ranged from recent car upgrades and rookie performances to the intense Constructors' Championship battle and the impending 2026 regulations.

Why it matters:

The F1 midfield remains incredibly tight, with even a tenth of a second making the difference between Q1 and Q3. This intense competition, combined with significant upcoming regulatory changes, means every decision and development is critical for teams aiming to secure points and future success. The dynamics of driver development, particularly for rookies, also play a crucial role in team strategies and long-term competitiveness.

The Details:

• Haas's Updates and Driver Performance:
  • Haas's recent car updates in Austin showed promising, albeit small, improvements, which are significant in the tightly packed midfield. Komatsu noted that these enhancements helped balance the car's low-speed understeer and high-speed instability, boosting driver confidence.
  • Ollie Bearman's growth was highlighted, with Komatsu praising his natural speed and maturity. Bearman, making his FP1 debut here two years ago, has progressed significantly, focusing on weekend consistency rather than raw pace, which is already exceptional.
  • Komatsu maintains a race-by-race focus for the Constructors' Championship, not dwelling on the 11-point gap to Sauber, emphasizing maximizing performance in each session.
• Kick Sauber's Competitive Season and Internal Growth:
  • Jonathan Wheatley acknowledged the tight battle with Haas, stressing the importance of minimizing mistakes. He views the current competitive environment as highly enjoyable and motivating.
  • Sauber is enjoying its most competitive hybrid-era season in terms of points, a credit to the foundations laid by Mattia Binotto and internal improvements in communication and decision-making.
  • Gabriel Bortoleto's rookie season has been impressive due to his maturity, strong work ethic, and ability to build rapport with his engineering team. His measured approach to challenging circuits like Monaco, Baku, and Singapore has also stood out.
  • Wheatley spoke highly of Max Verstappen's influence at Red Bull, noting his profound talent and ability to push the technical department and the team, building a formidable unit around him.
• Ferrari's Recent Performance and Young Drivers:
  • Fred Vasseur confirmed Antonio Fuoco's successful FP1 session, noting his experience as a Hypercar reference driver and Le Mans winner, despite being a 'rookie' in a Grand Prix session. Fuoco's simulator work and Ferrari Driver Academy background were also highlighted.
  • Vasseur emphasized the importance of FP1 sessions for young drivers to experience the current-season car, unlike TPC testing with older models.
  • Ferrari's recent podium in Austin came after a period of struggle. Vasseur attributed performance swings between sessions to tire preparation, a critical factor for current F1 performance. He remains cautious about drawing early conclusions from FP1 in Mexico, given the unique track conditions and evolution.
• 2026 Regulations and Cost Cap Discussions:
  • All three principals expressed that regulatory changes are part of F1's DNA, acknowledging the uncertainty and the challenge of starting from scratch with new engines, chassis, tires, and sporting regulations. They believe the F1 community's ability to adapt will address any initial field spread issues.
  • Regarding the delayed 2022 cost cap accounts, Jonathan Wheatley suggested the delay pointed to teams experiencing issues, emphasizing the difficulty of balancing competitiveness with strict budget limits. Fred Vasseur called for trust in the FIA's process and cautioned against speculation, differentiating between procedural breaches and sporting advantages.
  • Ferrari confirmed they lent two TPC test days to Cadillac for their F1 project, focusing on logistical and infrastructure setup rather than car development, in line with their commitment to fostering new teams.

What's next:

The upcoming races will continue to test the mettle of these teams, particularly in the midfield Constructors' Championship battle. As F1 approaches the transformative 2026 regulations, teams will increasingly focus resources on R&D for the new era, while also navigating the complexities of current season performance and strict financial regulations. The strong local enthusiasm for F1 in Mexico, even without Checo on the grid, underscores the sport's global appeal and growing fan base.

Between the lines:

The transparency and open dialogue in the press conference reveal the intricate challenges and strategic considerations facing F1 teams. From optimizing minute car upgrades to nurturing young talent and preparing for seismic regulatory shifts, team principals are constantly balancing immediate performance with long-term vision. The ongoing scrutiny of the cost cap highlights the FIA's commitment to financial fairness, even as teams grapple with the complexities of compliance in a high-stakes environment.