6 things to WATCH out for at the Mexican GP
6 things to WATCH out for at the Mexican GP
With F1 heading back to Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez after an impressive return in 2015, here are 6 things to keep an eye out for at the Mexican Grand Prix.
With F1 heading back to Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez after an impressive return in 2015, here are 6 things to keep an eye out for at the Mexican Grand Prix.

Stadium section
The rebuilt and modified Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez may have lost the full force of the Peraltada final corner but its replacement became the defining image of F1’s return to Mexico last year after a 22-year absence. The new stadium section twists and bunches the cars into a frantic end to the lap before the long and eye-wateringly fast home straight.
3. High altitudes, higher speeds?
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Last year’s return to Mexico exceeded predictions on top speeds with Sebastian Vettel blasting through the speed trap at 227mph on the main straight. The central American event now has a rival for its high speed crown with the introduction of the Grand Prix of Europe in Baku where Valtteri Bottas posted speeds of 235mph in June. This weekend the super-soft Pirelli tyres will be used for the first time in Mexico, along with power unit advances over the past 12 months, so the bar for top speed could be raised once again.
Mercedes power domination
Speaking of speed, Mercedes-powered cars totally dominated 12 months ago with seven out of the top ten finishers running the German manufacturer engines – including a podium lockout with a Mercedes one-two and the Williams of Valtteri Bottas in third. Will the Ferrari, Renault or Honda engines be able to respond?
Kimi's 250th F1 GP start
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Kimi Raikkonen is set to celebrate his 250th Grand Prix start in his Formula 1 career in Mexico. With 16 pole positions, 20 wins and 84 podium in total so far in his career the Finn will be eager to toasts it with a first rostrum finish since the Austrian Grand Prix in June.
Driver market slows
While Daniil Kvyat was confirmed to stay at Toro Rosso for 2017, 10 race seats remain unconfirmed for 2017. Renault still acts as the key factor as talks with Valtteri Bottas leave Kevin Magnussen and Jolyon Palmer waiting tentatively. The Bottas hold-up is effectively keeping Williams undecided as it will seek a more experienced driver to partner Lance Stroll if Bottas leaves.