Most Formula 1 teams have brought a range of circuit specific updates to the Mexico City Grand Prix in an effort to combat the cooling demands required in the high-altitude city.
At an elevation of over 2,200 meters, Mexico City is one of the highest major cities on the planet. As such, the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez provides a unique challenge to teams due to the thinner air making it tougher to cool cars to sufficient levels.
Other than Mercedes and Aston Martin who arrive in Mexico with no changes, all other teams have introduced circuit specific updates to cope with the demands of the decreased atmospheric pressure.
At Red Bull, the exits of the RB19’s right side forward cooling louvres have been enlarged to achieve better airflow.
Ferrari are attempting to extend the top end of its engine cooling capacity with additional cooling louvres along the cockpit and exit gurney.
Alpine has also made changes to its cooling louvres, deepening the mid section to provide higher maximum cooling levels. While the team had tested the change during FP1 in Qatar, a further circuit specific tweak comes in the form of an enlarged coke panel exit at the rear of the car.
Lando Norris (GBR) McLaren.
27.10.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 20, Mexican Grand Prix, Mexico City, Mexico, Practice Day.
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McLaren has also revised its engine cover geometry for this weekend to allow for increased mass flow through the radiators to handle the ambient conditions. The MCL60 will also feature a larger front brake disc scoop to try and provide increased braking capacity in the city.
Alfa Romeo have also redesigned their brakes for the only ‘performance’ related update on the grid. At the rear, the C43 will feature redesigned rear brake ducts to work in conjunction with the new floor introduced in Austin. The Hinwil-based outfit hopes that the change will lead to improvements in aerodynamic efficiency and help generate downforce.
After unveiling a new package in Austin, there are further updates at Haas to the front brake duct and scoop, and cooling louvres. Again, each update is circuit specific and has been introduced for cooling purposes.
AlphaTauri has also brought changes to the coke/engine cover with an increase in size to allow for greater mass flow through the central radiator cores. The AT04 is another car to feature modifications to the front brake duct to address disc and calliper cooling concerns amid the elevation.
Finally, Williams will sport a larger engine cover to benefit cooling of the power unit and gearbox fluids. A larger rear centreline exit also available if needed. The team also has additional cooling louvres available at its disposal if required.
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