For the Mexican Grand Prix, McLaren has introduced several key upgrades in an effort to bounce back from their disappointing performance at the US Grand Prix. Previously, McLaren was impressed with its strong performance in Singapore, solidifying its place as the third-fastest team behind Red Bull and Ferrari. This week, the team has implemented three upgrades, two of which are circuit-specific, targeting the unique high-altitude and hot climate of Mexico City. These modifications include adjustments to the engine cover and cooling louvres to better manage the challenging track conditions.
The most notable upgrade for McLaren is a redesigned floor, featuring “geometric changes in all areas” that are intended to increase aerodynamic load under various racing conditions. Unlike the circuit-specific changes, this upgrade aims to provide lasting improvements in airflow management and downforce, potentially benefiting McLaren’s performance throughout the season. This balanced focus on immediate and long-term gains suggests McLaren is aiming to secure a consistent advantage across different circuits.
Red Bull has also made modifications specifically tailored for the Mexican Grand Prix, but their upgrades are focused exclusively on the unique demands of this high-altitude track. They have expanded the central topbody volume on their engine cover to improve the power unit’s cooling, essential for handling Mexico’s thin air and high temperatures. Additionally, Red Bull has made adjustments to the front corner, which is optimized for better cooling performance in the circuit’s challenging conditions.
Meanwhile, Ferrari has opted for a more streamlined approach, introducing just one change: cooling louvres designed to increase cooling capacity in the heat of Mexico, though at some cost to the car’s efficiency. Ferrari’s single adjustment reflects a more conservative strategy, prioritizing engine cooling over extensive modifications. This strategy keeps the car competitive without drastically altering its aerodynamic profile, focusing instead on a specific need for this event.
Beyond the major contenders, other teams have also made targeted changes. VCARB, for example, has introduced the most upgrades of any team, including both circuit-specific adjustments to the engine cover and cooling louvres and two permanent modifications to the floor. These permanent changes focus on reducing aerodynamic losses and increasing load, particularly by refining the camber of the floor fences and adjusting floor edge wing profiles. Williams, meanwhile, has brought a modified beam wing and engine cover tailored to the circuit, while five teams have chosen to bring no upgrades for the Mexican Grand Prix.