Cadillac Team Prepares for Milestone Mexico City Grand Prix

Following the US Grand Prix at COTA, the Cadillac Formula 1® Team is set to make its way to the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez for the Mexico City Grand Prix, the 19th round of the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship. This race is particularly significant as it marks Checo Pérez's 300th Grand Prix, a milestone that adds to the excitement surrounding the event.

The Mexico City Grand Prix has a rich history, having evolved through three distinct eras since its inception. Originally a season finale in the 1960s, it returned in the late 1980s and early 1990s before rejoining the calendar in 2015 after a 23-year hiatus. Since then, it has become a staple on the F1 calendar, consistently selling out and drawing enthusiastic crowds.

One of the unique challenges of the Mexico City Grand Prix is its high-altitude location at 2,240 meters (7,350 feet). This elevation results in air density that is approximately 75-80% of that at sea level, significantly impacting engine performance. Naturally aspirated engines can lose around 20-25% of their power due to the thinner air, but modern turbocharged F1 power units are designed to mitigate much of this loss. Teams must also adapt their setups to account for reduced cooling and downforce, requiring increased brake and engine cooling alongside maximum-downforce bodywork to maintain competitive speeds.

Valtteri Bottas holds the record for the highest speed achieved at this circuit, reaching 372.5 km/h (231.46 mph) during the 2016 race. He also set the race lap record in 2021 with a time of 1:17.774, showcasing the potential for thrilling performances at this challenging venue.

The Cadillac Formula 1® Team is poised to make a splash this weekend, with Pérez celebrating his milestone in front of his home crowd. The team will also conduct a public show run on Wednesday along the Paseo de la Reforma, with Pérez at the wheel, further engaging with fans and building excitement for the race.

Cadillac drivers bring valuable experience to the race

Both Cadillac drivers have experience at the Mexican Grand Prix, with Pérez scoring points in six of his nine appearances, including podium finishes in 2021 and 2022. Bottas has also had a successful history here, securing pole position and the fastest lap in 2021, alongside multiple points finishes in previous years.

Colton Herta will make his fifth Free Practice 1 appearance with the Cadillac team, stepping in for Bottas. Herta expressed his eagerness to gain more experience in Formula 1, emphasizing the value of every opportunity to drive with the team.

Anticipation builds for Pérez's homecoming celebration

Marcin Budkowski, the team principal, highlighted the challenges posed by the high-altitude circuit, noting that it will be a great test for the team. He emphasized the importance of maximizing performance while also looking ahead to future seasons. The atmosphere at the circuit is expected to be electric, especially with Pérez's homecoming, and the team aims to provide both drivers with a competitive car to challenge their rivals.

As the weekend approaches, the anticipation builds not only for the race itself but for the celebration of Pérez's remarkable career in Formula 1. The combination of a passionate home crowd and the unique challenges of the Mexico City circuit sets the stage for an unforgettable Grand Prix.