It is time for the Mexican Grand Prix. The Formula 1 races this weekend at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. We start with the first free practice. This practice gives the drivers the opportunity to explore the track and get as much data as possible. You can follow this first free practice with the liveblog from GPblog.
LIVEBLOG | First free practice for the 2021 Mexican Grand Prix
After two years there will be another Grand Prix in Mexico. In 2020 there was no race here due to COVID-19. The Mexican GP is always exciting because the circuit is situated at an altitude of over 2000 metres. Because of the thin air the engines perform differently. In recent years this has been to the advantage of Max Verstappen with his Red Bull Honda. There is also a long straight which makes overtaking possible on this track and can cause some surprises.
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Red Bull versus Mercedes
Since the Mexican GP's return in 2015, a Mercedes or a Red Bull has won here every year. In 2017 and 2018 Verstappen won here, but in 2016 and 2019 Hamilton was too fast for everyone. Max's Red Bull was not a competitive car in the years he won. This year it is and the battle between the two teams is even more heated. Both Verstappen and Hamilton will give everything to take the win here.
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The first free practice session can already give an insight in the proportions for the weekend. All teams will want to make the most of the first hour of practice time. It will therefore be exciting to see who will be the quickest.
So far in 2021
The 2021 Formula 1 season is one that will feature as a stand-alone chapter in the sport's history book. Perhaps the best season since the turn of the century, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton are battling hard for the title. The Dutchman currently has a 12 point lead over the Brit who has seen it all before. Last time out, the Red Bull driver held off a charging Hamilton in the final stages of the United States Grand Prix.
Red Bull arrive at the Mexico circuit as favourites to win. That isn't unusual because Mercedes traditionally struggle here anyway, but this year Red Bull's car has the ability to work well on any track. They've proved that around the world in 2021.