The Mexico F1 GP 2022; the twentieth and antepenultimate round of the season, is already upon us.  This weekend (October 28-30) at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez, local fans will create a magical and unique atmosphere once again for the greatest F1 fiesta in Formula One. 

Enveloped in this celebratory atmosphere, and with both titles already in the bag, Max Verstappen and Red Bull, will try and continue breaking records. The Dutchman was proclaimed two-time world champion in Japan, while his team sealed the deal in the subsequent round in the United States five days ago. 

After equalling Michel Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel’s record of 13 wins in one single season in Austin, the ‘flying dutchman’ aspires to break the tie with those giants to set a new solo record this weekend. 

Checo wants to shine at home 

All eyes will be on local idol Checo Pérez this weekend, who arrives at his home round fully determined to become the first Mexican F1 driver to ever win a Grand Prix in his country. After a victory in Singapore and a second place in Japan over the last three races, the driver from Guadalajara has regained the good rapport with his RB18 that he lost it in the middle of the season with the subsequent updates of his single-seater. 

The blue car should, In principle, be his greatest ally at the 2,000-metre-high, Mexican track. Its twisty configuration and thin air have traditionally played in favour of Red Bull’s mechanics. The three victories in six GPs taken by Verstappen in Mexico since the country’s return to the World Championship in 2015 are testimony of this. 

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During the current season, however, things seem to have changed. The curvy layouts do not seem as friendly to the RB18 as the straight lines, which are also prominent at this weekend’s event. Despite it all, Red Bull is still the absolute favourite ahead of the Mexican F1 GP 2022. 

With both the driver and constructor’s titles already sealed, all of the excitement now surrounds the fight for the runner-up position, currently disputed between Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) and Checo Pérez. Separated by just two points in favour of the former, both contenders are hoping to deal the decisive blow to their rival at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez. 

The local star will of course count on the full support of his team and his people. Having fulfilled all its objectives in the current season, Red Bull can now focus on helping Pérez achieve the coveted 1-2 for the team in the final table. Knowing the appetite for glory of this teammate Verstappen, it is not going to be an easy win for Checo. 

Ferrari, to keep second place 

The team from Maranello arrives at the Mexican F1 GP 2022 hoping to break loose from the string of misfortunes that have haunted it for most of the year. The latest victim of Ferrari’s bad luck was Carlos Sainz. After starting from pole in Texas, he was knocked out of the race on the first lap, which earned him his second consecutive blank result and fourth of the season.

Meanwhile his teammate Leclerc is in dire need of breaking a winning drought that began after Austria, three and a half months ago. As a team, both drivers will be defending Ferrari’s second place in the constructors’ standings against the threat of Mercedes. ‘La Scuderia’ currently leads the German squad by 53 points. 

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