Mexico City Grand Prix: Highlights from the Paddock as Teams Gear Up for Race Weekend
As the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix approaches, drivers and teams prepare for an action-packed weekend. Sergio Perez celebrates a career milestone, while Kimi Antonelli eyes the championship title.
The final stretch of the 2026 Formula 1 season brings us to the vibrant backdrop of Mexico City for the 19th round. This weekend holds particular significance for Kimi Antonelli, who could secure the championship with a ninth-place finish or better. The paddock buzzes with anticipation, not least because it's also the scene of Sergio Perez's 300th Grand Prix, celebrated with a contract extension at Cadillac.
Drivers and Teams Speak Out
Esteban Ocon, facing a future away from Haas, remains optimistic about securing a seat for next season, albeit with limited options. "The talks are ongoing," he said, emphasizing his focus on delivering strong performances in the remaining races.
Perez, on the other hand, is basking in the limelight, relishing the chance to race in front of his home crowd. "It's crazy to make it to 300 races, especially here in Mexico," he enthused, while also expressing hopes that Cadillac can rise through the ranks over the next few years. "We have three years ahead to see where we end up," he remarked, aiming for Cadillac to evolve into a major player in F1.
Charles Leclerc of Ferrari is tempering expectations, recognizing Mercedes and Red Bull as formidable opponents regardless of the circuit. Meanwhile, Alex Albon of Williams has been candid in his rebuttal of Fernando Alonso's recent comments, underlining the competitive nature of the entire grid.
Press Conferences and Driver Insights
George Russell, in his media appearance, reflected on a season of highs and lows with Mercedes. He acknowledged the fluctuation in his form, attributing it to the narrow performance window of the team's upgraded package. "I've never had a season where the performance has fluctuated so much," he admitted, while also expressing confidence in his long-term potential.
Ollie Bearman from Haas reminisced about his strong performance in Mexico last year, although he concedes this season's car isn't quite as competitive. Nonetheless, the memories of last year's success remain a highlight.
Kimi Antonelli's Championship Quest
Antonelli, who missed today's media activities due to illness, is set to return to the track tomorrow. His quest to become the youngest Drivers' Champion adds another layer of excitement to the weekend.
Friday Drivers and Rookie Appearances
Tomorrow's practice sessions will showcase several 'Friday' drivers, including Colton Herta and Nikola Tsolov, as teams fulfill their rookie running obligations. Fans can expect a lively day of on-track action.
Looking Ahead
With FP1 and FP2 slated for tomorrow, the build-up to the Grand Prix is well underway. As the drivers prepare to take on the unique challenges of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, fans are in for a weekend full of racing drama and potential milestones.