Live Coverage: First Practice for the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix

The 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix weekend begins with FP1 at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, where teams face the unique challenge of racing at 2,240 meters above sea level. The session offers the first real opportunity to see how the new-generation cars handle the thin air and high temperatures.

Why it matters:

Altitude is a game-changer. Thin air reduces both downforce and cooling efficiency, forcing teams to run higher-downforce configurations than at any other track. With the 2026 regulations introducing 50% electric power units and active aerodynamics, FP1 is crucial for understanding how these systems perform in such extreme conditions. Data gathered here can shape the entire weekend.

The details:

• The 4.304 km circuit combines long straights with a technical stadium section, demanding a delicate balance between straight-line speed and cornering grip.
• Cooling remains a top priority: thinner air hampers radiator effectiveness, so teams will monitor temperatures closely—especially on the new power units.
• Tire management will be under the microscope as teams assess degradation on the abrasive surface.
• Setup work will focus on finding the sweet spot between downforce and drag, a trade-off amplified by the altitude.

What's next:

FP1 sets the baseline for the weekend. Teams will analyze data before FP2 and FP3, then switch focus to qualifying. The order is likely to evolve as setups are refined, making Saturday's grid battle even more unpredictable.