Hamilton expects about 25–30% less downforce in Mexico City than in 2025

Lewis Hamilton expects Formula 1 teams to use maximum-downforce settings at the Mexico City Grand Prix, but estimates the cars will still generate roughly 25 to 30 per cent less downforce than at the 2025 Mexico City race — or even at Monza. He says the combination will make the weekend feel very different for the drivers.

The 2026 technical regulations have sharply reduced downforce compared with 2025. Mexico City's high altitude adds to the effect: its low air density means cars generate less downforce there than at other venues.

Hamilton is less certain about what that will mean for Ferrari. After someone suggested the conditions would suit the car, he replied, "I really have no idea." He still thinks Ferrari's car "should be good here" if the team gets its tyres working, and hopes to carry the team's strong performance from 2025 into the weekend.