Nikita Mazepin Q&A: Mexico City GP
November 1, 2021
Nikita previews this weekend's Mexico City Grand Prix, as the 2021 Formula 1 season heads into the home straight.
Round 18 of the 2021 FIA Formula 1 World Championship brings us to the great heights of the Mexico City Grand Prix. The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is located over 2km above sea level, creating new challenges for cars – and teams alike – on track. Are there any special preparations for driving over a prolonged amount of time in such conditions?
“First of all, less oxygen means it’s difficult to drive and perform at a high heart rate for drivers, so physically it’s going to be a challenge but not only that, the air is less thick so there will be less downforce on the car. Unfortunately, we don’t have too much downforce to spare, but we’ll do our best and I’m very curious to race on a new track and see how it feels.”
A side effect of high altitudes can be a lack of downforce. With Sector 1 being a hotbed of action, overtaking opportunities and late braking after long straights, without having raced here before, how long does it take to become comfortable on a new track?
“It’s difficult to say. There are loads of factors that are part of getting comfortable on a new track. Normally, I’m not hating the low downforce tracks such as Monza and Baku, I felt quite comfortable, but there are a lot more challenges in Mexico. As I’ve never been there, I’m looking forward to the challenge and am open-minded to what the weekend might bring.”
Mexican fans are some of the loudest and passionate at a Formula 1 event, and that can be seen best at T12 as cars enter the Foro Sol stadium section. How much can you really hear and know about the race when inside the cockpit, and can that atmosphere really add motivation, or pressure, to a driver’s race?
“As I’m not from there, it doesn’t really bring me pressure but it’s nice to see people enjoy the event that you’re taking part in. It’s awesome that Formula 1 brings smiles to people’s faces and perhaps makes their weekend more interesting, rather than being at home and watching the race on TV. The locals are very welcoming – I was there two weeks ago – so I got to feel a bit of the atmosphere and passion of the people, how much they like Formula 1, so I’m looking forward to getting out there on full speed.”