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Coronel: Mexico’s reduced downforce could suit Verstappen

Conceptual AI-generated editorial motorsport illustration; not a documentary photograph or evidence that a pictured event, meeting or transfer occurred. · 2026-10-30GPBeat newsroom · News Made Clear generated illustration

Tom Coronel believes Mexico’s reduced-downforce conditions could suit Max Verstappen, whose feel for a lighter, sliding car he rates among Formula 1’s best.

GPBeat · Newsroom30 Oct 2026, 19:28 · 1 min

Tom Coronel believes Mexico City’s reduced-downforce conditions could play to Max Verstappen’s strengths. Less downforce makes the car feel lighter and less settled, the Formula 1 analyst says, and drivers need sharper instincts, steering feel and vision in those conditions. Coronel rates Verstappen among the best at responding to that sensation.

The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez sits more than two kilometres above sea level. Its thin air means the engines and brakes need much more cooling. Teams run as much downforce as at Monaco, while the cars’ performance is comparable to Monza; they can slide as less downforce is generated.

Verstappen has won the Mexico Grand Prix five times: in 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022 and 2023. Only the Red Bull Ring and Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit have produced as many victories for him.

Sources 01
  1. SOURCECoronel wijst op uniek voordeel Verstappen in MexicoRacingNews365 Nederland

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