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Verstappen Sets Pace in Mexico City Practice; Red Bull Tests Key Upgrades

October 25, 2025

Mexico City – Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing clocked the fastest time during the second free practice session at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, as teams prepared for the upcoming qualifying and race events.The session saw important activity as teams gathered crucial data, notably with Verstappen evaluating a notable upgrade too his car.

The initial session saw a relatively sluggish track, with several key drivers opting to conserve mileage. However, the afternoon practice witnessed an immediate surge in activity, with all competitors aiming to refine their setups for optimal performance.

New Floor Design Tested by Red Bull

Verstappen’s session was largely dedicated to assessing a revised floor design – designated RB21 – for his car. The team employed aerodynamic paint to analyze airflow patterns, a relatively unusual procedure at this advanced stage of the Formula 1 season. This demonstrates Red Bull’s commitment to continuous enhancement, even as they maintain a strong championship lead.

Leclerc Initially Leads, verstappen Strikes Back

Charles Leclerc of Ferrari initially set the benchmark, recording a lap time of 1:18.669 on medium tires.He afterward improved to 1:18.353, establishing a temporary lead. However, Verstappen responded with a blistering lap of 1:17.392, surpassing Leclerc by 0.153 seconds.

Did You Know? Aerodynamic upgrades, especially floor designs, can considerably impact a car’s downforce and overall handling, potentially shaving off vital fractions of a second per lap.

Race Simulation and Driver Feedback

Following his fastest lap, Verstappen engaged in a 12-lap race simulation using older medium tires. Towards the conclusion of the simulation, he expressed frustration with the car’s grip levels, stating, “It’s terrible, I have no grip, it’s like driving on ice!”.This feedback will be critical for the team’s engineers as they analyze the data and make necessary adjustments.

Other Key Performers and Challenges

Andrea Kimi Antonelli secured third place despite an early technical issue that curtailed his track time. lando Norris of mclaren finished fourth,even though he encountered some instability during the session,a day after allowing local driver Pato O’Ward seat time in the first practice. Lewis hamilton of Ferrari placed fifth, ahead of George Russell, Yuki Tsunoda, Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz, and Lance Stroll.

Alpine faced a challenging day, with Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly finishing in 18th and 20th positions, trailing Verstappen by 1.3 seconds and lagging behind Sauber by four-tenths of a second.

Driver	Team	Best Lap Time
Max Verstappen	Red Bull Racing	1:17.392
Charles Leclerc	Ferrari	1:17.545
Andrea Kimi Antonelli	Mercedes	1:17.600
Lando Norris	McLaren	1:17.800

Pro Tip: Teams often use free practice sessions to gather data on tire degradation, a critical factor for race strategy. understanding how tires perform over extended distances allows them to optimize pit stop timings and maximize performance.

The importance of Aerodynamic Growth in F1

Aerodynamic development remains a cornerstone of Formula 1 racing. Teams continually strive to refine their cars’ aerodynamic profiles to generate greater downforce, reduce drag, and improve overall performance. The floor of an F1 car is a particularly crucial area for development, as it significantly impacts airflow beneath the vehicle.

According to F1 Technical, even minor adjustments to the floor can yield substantial performance gains, frequently enough translating into tenths of a second per lap. This highlights the intensity and precision involved in modern Formula 1 engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Mexico Grand Prix Practice Sessions

What is the importance of the second free practice session?

The second free practice session allows teams to refine their car setups, gather data on tire performance, and evaluate aerodynamic upgrades in more representative conditions.

why did Max Verstappen test a new floor design during the practice session?

Red Bull Racing is continuously seeking ways to improve their car’s performance, and the new floor design is part of their ongoing aerodynamic development program.

What does it mean when a driver says they have “no grip”?

This indicates that the car is lacking traction,making it arduous to maintain control and achieve optimal lap times. It can be caused by several factors, including tire wear, track conditions, or incorrect car setup.

how significant are race simulations during free practice?

Race simulations provide valuable data on tire degradation and allow teams to assess the viability of different race strategies.

What is aerodynamic paint used for?

Aerodynamic paint, often referred to as “flow viz,” helps engineers visualize airflow patterns over the car’s surface, enabling them to identify areas for improvement.

What are your predictions for qualifying? Do you think Red Bull’s upgrades will give Verstappen a significant advantage?

Share your thoughts and comments below!

How do aerodynamic upgrades specifically benefit Red Bull at the high-altitude Mexican Grand Prix?

Max Verstappen dominates Free Practice at Mexican Grand Prix with Updated Red Bull

Max Verstappen continued his remarkable form at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, topping both free practice sessions at the 2025 Mexican Grand Prix. Crucially, this dominance came with Red Bull debuting a meaningful upgrade package for their RB19, signaling their intent to finish the season strongly and maintain their championship lead. The pace displayed suggests the upgrades are delivering the expected performance gains.

Second Practice: Verstappen Sets the Benchmark

Verstappen clocked a blistering lap time of 1:17.234 in FP2, leaving his rivals trailing. This performance wasn’t just about pace; it was about consistency. He consistently delivered fast laps, demonstrating the car’s stability and his comfort with the new aerodynamic elements.

Here’s a breakdown of the top five from FP2:

1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) – 1:17.234
2. charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1:17.689
3. George Russell (Mercedes) – 1:17.812
4. Carlos Sainz Jr. (Ferrari) – 1:17.955
5. Sergio Pérez (Red Bull Racing) – 1:18.021

the gap to Leclerc in second place was significant,highlighting Verstappen’s control of the session. Sergio Pérez, in the second Red Bull, finished fifth, providing valuable data for the team regarding the new package’s performance on diffrent driving styles.

Red bull’s Upgrade Package: Key changes

The focus of Red Bull’s updates centers around aerodynamic efficiency, notably in the rear of the car. Key changes include:

* Revised Rear Wing: A new, more efficient rear wing design aimed at reducing drag and increasing downforce.

* Diffuser Modifications: Alterations to the diffuser to better manage airflow and improve overall aerodynamic performance.

* Floor Updates: Subtle changes to the floor to optimize airflow and enhance grip levels.

* Suspension Tweaks: Minor suspension adjustments to complement the aerodynamic changes and improve mechanical grip.

These modifications are designed to improve the car’s performance in Mexico City’s thin air, where aerodynamic grip is at a premium. The altitude (over 2,200 meters) considerably reduces engine power, making aerodynamic efficiency even more critical.

Ferrari and Mercedes: The Challengers

While verstappen and Red Bull dominated, Ferrari and Mercedes showed encouraging pace. Charles Leclerc’s second-place finish in FP2 demonstrates Ferrari’s continued enhancement, while George Russell’s third place indicates Mercedes is closing the gap.

Both teams are likely evaluating their own aerodynamic configurations and setup changes to maximize performance for qualifying and the race. The Mexican Grand Prix presents a unique challenge, and finding the optimal balance between downforce and drag is crucial.

Ferrari’s strategy and Tire Management

Ferrari appeared to focus on long-run simulations during FP2, suggesting they are prioritizing tire management for the race. The abrasive track surface at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez can lead to high tire degradation,making a robust race strategy essential.

Mercedes’ Focus on Balance

Mercedes, on the other hand, seemed to be concentrating on finding the right balance for their car. Russell reported improvements in handling throughout the session, indicating the team is making progress in optimizing the setup.

Track Conditions and Tire Choices

The track temperature remained relatively cool throughout both practice sessions, influencing tire choices and grip levels. Pirelli has brought the C3, C4, and C5 compounds to Mexico, offering a range of options for teams.

* C3 (Hard): Expected to be used primarily during long runs.

* C4 (Medium): A versatile compound suitable for both qualifying and the race.

* C5 (Soft): Optimized for maximum grip in qualifying.

Teams will need to carefully manage tire wear and degradation, particularly during the race, to maximize their performance.

Looking Ahead to Qualifying

Verstappen’s dominant performance in free practice makes him the clear favorite for pole position. However, Ferrari and Mercedes will be looking to close the gap during qualifying. The thin air and challenging track conditions will add an extra layer of complexity to the session. Expect strategic tire choices and intense competition as teams battle for the best starting positions. The qualifying session will be a crucial indicator of the true pecking order for the race.

Benefits of Aerodynamic Upgrades in High Altitude

The benefits of aerodynamic upgrades are amplified at high-altitude circuits like mexico City.Reduced air density means less engine power, making aerodynamic efficiency even more critical for maintaining speed and grip. Upgrades focused on reducing drag and increasing downforce can provide a significant performance advantage.

Practical Tips for Fans following the Race

* Monitor Tire Strategies: Pay close attention to the tire strategies employed by each