Charles Leclerc has rejected George Russell’s assessment that Ferrari enters the Mexico City Grand Prix as the favoured team. Russell cited Ferrari’s smaller turbocharger design as a potential advantage at the high-altitude Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit. Leclerc, however, maintains that Mercedes remains the benchmark.
The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, situated over 2,200 metres above sea level, presents unique technical challenges for Formula 1 power units. The thinner air at this altitude significantly impacts turbocharging efficiency, engine cooling, and aerodynamic downforce.
The 2026 technical regulations, which removed the MGU-H component from power units, further complicate turbocharger performance. This absence means turbos receive no electrical assistance for boost pressure, making turbo lag a critical factor for all teams this weekend.
Russell highlighted Ferrari’s 2026 power unit, the SF-26, which features a smaller-diameter turbocharger than its rivals. This design offers lower inertia, allowing the turbo to spool up more quickly. This characteristic could be beneficial in the thin air, where less exhaust energy is available to drive the turbine.
However, this smaller turbocharger design may also impose a ceiling on peak horsepower compared to units with larger turbines. Some analysis suggests that Mexico’s extreme conditions could magnify an existing weakness in Ferrari’s power unit, particularly concerning compressor efficiency.
Leclerc acknowledged Ferrari’s recent momentum from the Singapore and United States Grands Prix. He stated the team had maximised its potential in those events. Despite this, Leclerc believes Mercedes remains the team to beat, regardless of the circuit.
“Whether we are the favourites this weekend, I don’t fully agree, I think Mercedes remain the favourites wherever we go.”
Mercedes has demonstrated significant performance throughout the 2026 season with its W17 car. The team leads the Constructors’ Championship with 607 points. Mercedes has secured 12 victories and 12 pole positions this year.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, driving for Mercedes, leads the Drivers’ Championship with 365 points and nine wins. He requires a ninth-place finish or higher in Mexico to secure the World Championship.
Russell, currently second in the standings with 242 points, trails Antonelli by 123 points. He has experienced a challenging season, including recent technical failures and a difficult United States Grand Prix where he finished eighth.
Mercedes has acknowledged that consistently accessing the full performance of the W17 has been a challenge, particularly for Russell. Team Principal Toto Wolff noted that while performance has been added, its consistent deployment is proving difficult.
Ferrari has recorded two Grand Prix victories this season, with Lewis Hamilton winning in Barcelona and Leclerc triumphing at Silverstone. The team introduced significant aerodynamic upgrades in Austin, which performed as intended. Ferrari outscored Mercedes by one point in the United States Grand Prix.
Red Bull Racing, currently fourth in the Constructors’ Championship with 332 points, has also shown recent strength. Max Verstappen secured victories in Malaysia and Singapore, with the Red Bull power unit now considered a benchmark by the FIA.
However, Red Bull continues to face recurring start problems that cannot be fully resolved this season, requiring hardware changes for 2027. Verstappen anticipates less downforce and increased sliding in Mexico due to the active aerodynamics.
The battle for second place in the Drivers’ Championship remains tight. Russell holds 242 points, followed by Hamilton with 241, Verstappen with 236, and Leclerc with 233. These four drivers are separated by just nine points heading into the Mexico City Grand Prix.
