Mexico GP 2025: F1 arrives in Mexico City with intense title battle featuring Piastri, Norris, and Verstappen

Formula 1 lands in Mexico City for the Mexico Grand Prix, the 20th round of the 2025 season, at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. The race, scheduled for Sunday (26) at 5 PM (Brasília time), is set to escalate the fight for the Drivers’ Championship. Oscar Piastri leads with 346 points, followed closely by Lando Norris (332 points) and Max Verstappen (306 points). All sessions will be broadcast on Band, BandSports, and F1TV.

The Mexico GP is the second consecutive event outside F1’s standard morning schedule, bringing a unique dynamic for drivers and teams. The track, known for its high altitude, challenges car performance due to lower air density. Expectations are high for a strategic race, with focus on overtaking and tire management.

• Key highlights of the event:
• Intense title fight between Piastri, Norris, and Verstappen.
• Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, 4.3 km, demands aerodynamic adjustments.
• Live coverage on Band and F1TV, with real-time updates.

The 2025 season nears its end with only five races left, and Mexico could be pivotal for the championship.

Letting the champagne rain down after all the Austin action! 🍾#F1 #USGP pic.twitter.com/zGXZ8ZFWAo

— Formula 1 (@F1) October 20, 2025

Weekend preparations

Free practice begins on Friday (24), with the first session at 3:30 PM and the second at 7 PM. On Saturday (25), the third free practice is set for 2:30 PM, followed by qualifying at 6 PM. Grid position is critical, as the Mexican track favors those starting up front. In 2024, Carlos Sainz won after regaining the lead on the restart, highlighting the importance of early strategy.

The 2,200-meter altitude of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez reduces aerodynamic efficiency, requiring car setup tweaks. Teams like McLaren and Red Bull, leading the Constructors’ Championship, are expected to shine. Ferrari, after Sainz’s 2024 win, aims to repeat the performance.

Recent race history

In 2024, Carlos Sainz dominated the Mexico GP, securing his fourth career win. The Spaniard capitalized on Ferrari’s superior car, despite a shaky start. Max Verstappen, penalized twice for incidents with Lando Norris, finished off the podium. Norris and Charles Leclerc completed the top three.

The race saw a safety car on the opening lap due to a crash between Alexander Albon and Yuki Tsunoda. The restart on lap seven shaped the race’s key moments. The Mexican track, with its long straight and DRS zones, encourages fierce battles, especially at the first corner.

Track’s technical challenges

The 4.3-km Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez blends long straights with technical corners, demanding balance between speed and stability. The high altitude reduces drag but also engine cooling. Teams must optimize setups for these conditions. Pirelli will supply C3, C4, and C5 tires, the softest compounds, to maximize grip.

Pit stop strategy will be key, with most teams likely opting for two stops. Tire management will be critical, especially in the race’s final stages, where wear can affect pace.

Race expectations

The championship battle between Piastri, Norris, and Verstappen is the main draw. Piastri, of McLaren, leads, but Norris is just 14 points behind. Verstappen, with Red Bull, aims to close the 40-point gap to the leader. The tight points race heightens the stakes for a flawless performance in Mexico.

George Russell, Charles Leclerc, and Lewis Hamilton, in the top six, could also impact the race, particularly in midfield battles. McLaren leads the Constructors’ Championship, followed by Red Bull and Ferrari.

Full schedule

The Mexico GP schedule includes:

• Friday (24): Free Practice 1 at 3:30 PM; Free Practice 2 at 7 PM (BandSports and F1TV).
• Saturday (25): Free Practice 3 at 2:30 PM; Qualifying at 6 PM (Band, BandSports, and F1TV).
• Sunday (26): Race at 5 PM (Band and F1TV).

Real-time coverage will be available on specialized portals, tracking every moment of the event.

Championship significance

With only five races left, the Mexico GP could be a turning point. The track’s overtaking-friendly layout promises high competition. In 2024, penalties and incidents shaped the race, a trend that could repeat if drivers push risky moves. McLaren, the current leader, aims to solidify its edge, while Red Bull and Ferrari look to gain ground.