Ferrari Aims for Mexican 'Miracle' to Break Winless Streak

Ferrari is facing an imminent, unwanted anniversary: a full calendar year without a Grand Prix victory. Team boss Fred Vasseur acknowledges the unique challenges of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico, where Carlos Sainz secured their last win in October 2024. With the field incredibly tight, Ferrari is pushing hard to seize this final opportunity before their drought hits 12 months.

Why it matters:

Ferrari, one of F1's most iconic teams, is the only one of the 'big four' (Red Bull, McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari) yet to win a full-distance race this season. Ending this winless streak is crucial for team morale, championship standing, and maintaining their status as a top-tier competitor. A victory in Mexico would provide a significant boost ahead of the final races of the season.

The details:

• Unwanted Anniversary: Ferrari's last Grand Prix victory was at the Mexico City Grand Prix in October 2024, by then-driver Carlos Sainz. If Charles Leclerc or Lewis Hamilton (who won a sprint race this year, but not a full GP) doesn't win this weekend, the team's drought will reach 12 months.
• Tight Competition: Vasseur highlighted the extremely close field, noting that tenths of a second separate the top contenders, making every race a fierce battle for supremacy.
• Mexican Anomaly: The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is distinct due to its high altitude (2,240 meters above sea level). This poses significant challenges for teams, particularly concerning cooling systems.
  • Teams must dedicate extra attention and resources to manage engine and component temperatures throughout the race weekend, an additional hurdle for Ferrari.
• Team Effort: Vasseur affirmed that the entire Ferrari team is "pushing" to return to the top step of the podium before the season concludes.

What's next:

Ferrari's focus remains squarely on overcoming the unique challenges of the Mexican Grand Prix and securing a much-needed victory. While Vasseur stopped short of calling it a 'miracle,' the team's determination to end their drought is clear. The performance in Mexico will be a critical indicator of their progress and potential for the remaining races of the season.