Ahead of the race weekend at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez – at 2,286 metres above sea level, by far the highest circuit on the Formula 1 calendar – the discussion in the paddock largely revolved around one subject: how much of a challenge Mexico City would pose for the 2026 power units.
Several manufacturers feared severe turbo lag, especially now that the MGU-H is no longer there to support the turbo. The lower air density also raised a crucial question regarding outright performance. At altitude, there are fewer oxygen molecules per cubic metre, meaning the turbo has to work harder to get the same amount of oxygen into the engine as it would at sea level.
