P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Performance upgrades are scarce in Mexico this weekend, with much of the attention being on cooling the cars.
When Formula 1 races in Mexico City, teams are known to run Monaco wing-levels but only generate Monza levels of downforce. The high altitude of Mexico City, 2240m above sea level, means less air density for cooling the power units and brakes in the cars. This results in the turbocharger needing to work harder to feed in the same amount of air, leading to higher temperatures and the necessity for maximum cooling packages. Most teams focus on improving cooling rather than bringing significant performance upgrades to their cars. McLaren and Red Bull are among the few teams introducing performance upgrades, while others prioritize circuit-specific upgrades like opening cooling louvres on their cars. This trend persists in the lead-up to the 2024 race at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, emphasizing the importance of reliability in finishing first. Teams like Red Bull have modified their engine covers to enhance cooling capacity, demonstrating the strategic adjustments made to adapt to the unique conditions of the track in Mexico City.
