This Friday Rio Hirakawa will return behind the wheel of the Haas in the first practice session of the Mexican Grand Prix. The Japanese driver will replace Oliver Bearman for one hour, and it will be his fourth appearance in a practice session this season after the rounds in Japan, Bahrain and Spain.
As part of preparations for the upcoming sessions, Rio worked with the team on Tuesday in private testing at Zandvoort under the TPC program (Testing of a Previous Car). However, not everything went smoothly, and on the classic Dutch circuit Hirakawa lost control of the VF-23 and crashed the car.
The driver was not injured and is expected to travel to Mexico to take part in the practice as planned.
As part of preparations for the upcoming sessions, Rio worked with the team on Tuesday in private testing at Zandvoort under the TPC program (Testing of a Previous Car). However, not everything went smoothly, and on the classic Dutch circuit Hirakawa lost control of the VF-23 and crashed the car.
The driver was not injured and is expected to travel to Mexico to take part in the practice as planned.
Horner aims for 1.5 billion pound F1 comeback - report
"All that occupies your mind is the thought of his return."
Christian Horner may be on the verge of an impressive Formula 1 comeback by leading a new or acquired team valued at over 1.5 billion pounds, as reported by The Times of London. The publication indicates that the former Red Bull leader has been approached by affluent investors "keen to partner," providing him with sufficient funds to buy a complete team - though not one of the top four most expensive established teams.
After his departure from Red Bull, Horner reportedly desires ownership control instead of a team principal position, and he has dismissed the idea of relocating to Italy full-time despite recent associations with Ferrari.
"All that occupies your mind is the thought of his return."
Christian Horner may be on the verge of an impressive Formula 1 comeback by leading a new or acquired team valued at over 1.5 billion pounds, as reported by The Times of London. The publication indicates that the former Red Bull leader has been approached by affluent investors "keen to partner," providing him with sufficient funds to buy a complete team - though not one of the top four most expensive established teams.
After his departure from Red Bull, Horner reportedly desires ownership control instead of a team principal position, and he has dismissed the idea of relocating to Italy full-time despite recent associations with Ferrari.
Domenicali advocates for the balance of showmanship in F1.
"We’ve aimed to innovate in every area."
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has defended the contemporary presentation of the sport, asserting that innovation and effective communication are crucial, despite concerns from some purists that F1 may be turning into a mere "show." The discussion was reignited when Carlos Sainz criticized the broadcast of the Singapore GP for emphasizing celebrities and drivers’ partners rather than significant on-track action. F1’s media department responded by stating that "the focus is always on providing fans with the best possible images of the race," and emphasized that there were "no compromises regarding what happens on the track."
In contrast, Auto Motor und Sport observed that the broadcast of the US Grand Prix in Austin last weekend intentionally steered clear of celebrity shots.
"We’ve aimed to innovate in every area."
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has defended the contemporary presentation of the sport, asserting that innovation and effective communication are crucial, despite concerns from some purists that F1 may be turning into a mere "show." The discussion was reignited when Carlos Sainz criticized the broadcast of the Singapore GP for emphasizing celebrities and drivers’ partners rather than significant on-track action. F1’s media department responded by stating that "the focus is always on providing fans with the best possible images of the race," and emphasized that there were "no compromises regarding what happens on the track."
In contrast, Auto Motor und Sport observed that the broadcast of the US Grand Prix in Austin last weekend intentionally steered clear of celebrity shots.
Ricciardo acknowledges that his career has come to an end: 'No more neck workouts.'
"My neck isn’t as strong as it used to be anymore."
Daniel Ricciardo has officially announced his retirement from professional racing, humorously noting that one of the best aspects of retirement is that he no longer has to work on his neck muscles. The Australian driver, who lost his seat at McLaren, returned to Red Bull’s junior team, suffered a hand injury, and was subsequently let go again due to subpar performance, confirmed his retirement recently while being introduced as a Ford Racing ambassador. "Although my racing career has ended, my passion for anything with wheels will always be strong," he remarked at that time.
Ford will collaborate with Red Bull on its 2026 Formula 1 power unit project.
"My neck isn’t as strong as it used to be anymore."
Daniel Ricciardo has officially announced his retirement from professional racing, humorously noting that one of the best aspects of retirement is that he no longer has to work on his neck muscles. The Australian driver, who lost his seat at McLaren, returned to Red Bull’s junior team, suffered a hand injury, and was subsequently let go again due to subpar performance, confirmed his retirement recently while being introduced as a Ford Racing ambassador. "Although my racing career has ended, my passion for anything with wheels will always be strong," he remarked at that time.
Ford will collaborate with Red Bull on its 2026 Formula 1 power unit project.
Lundgaard cautions Herta against underestimating the transition to F1.
"It will likely become apparent at some point."
Christian Lundgaard has cautioned Colton Herta that switching from IndyCar to Formula 2 and the F1 pathway will be more challenging than it appears. The Danish driver, who transitioned from the European single-seater scene to IndyCar, spoke to Ekstra Bladet about Herta's move to Cadillac and eventually to Formula 2 during the United States GP in Austin.
"Good luck," Lundgaard expressed. "Dan Towriss is associated with both Andretti and Cadillac, so we always anticipated this possibility since Colton is his project, similar to how Kevin (Magnussen) was for Anders (Holch). However, I wish him luck because he may not fully grasp the challenge. IndyCar is less mentally taxing, and there’s also the difficulty of managing expectations.
"It will likely become apparent at some point."
Christian Lundgaard has cautioned Colton Herta that switching from IndyCar to Formula 2 and the F1 pathway will be more challenging than it appears. The Danish driver, who transitioned from the European single-seater scene to IndyCar, spoke to Ekstra Bladet about Herta's move to Cadillac and eventually to Formula 2 during the United States GP in Austin.
"Good luck," Lundgaard expressed. "Dan Towriss is associated with both Andretti and Cadillac, so we always anticipated this possibility since Colton is his project, similar to how Kevin (Magnussen) was for Anders (Holch). However, I wish him luck because he may not fully grasp the challenge. IndyCar is less mentally taxing, and there’s also the difficulty of managing expectations.
After a successful outing in Austin, Ferrari hopes to build on that success in Mexico…
Frédéric Vasseur, team principal: "In Austin, thanks to the coordinated work of the team and the support of the staff at the factory, we had one of the most successful weekends of the season. It is important to maintain this high level of focus and determination to succeed in the final part of the season.
In Mexico we will be facing completely different challenges. One of the key characteristics of this circuit is the high altitude above sea level, which affects cooling, the power of the power unit, aerodynamics and the behaviour of the tyres. The key factor will be finding the optimal balance between all of these elements.
Thanks to the energy and enthusiasm of the fans, the atmosphere in Mexico is always incredible."
Frédéric Vasseur, team principal: "In Austin, thanks to the coordinated work of the team and the support of the staff at the factory, we had one of the most successful weekends of the season. It is important to maintain this high level of focus and determination to succeed in the final part of the season.
In Mexico we will be facing completely different challenges. One of the key characteristics of this circuit is the high altitude above sea level, which affects cooling, the power of the power unit, aerodynamics and the behaviour of the tyres. The key factor will be finding the optimal balance between all of these elements.
Thanks to the energy and enthusiasm of the fans, the atmosphere in Mexico is always incredible."
Formula 2 team Invicta Racing has announced the signing of Joshua Dürksen for 2026.
The upcoming season will be the Paraguayan driver's third in Formula 2. In 2024 and 2025 Dürksen is racing for AIX Racing and has taken three victories. With two rounds remaining in the season, Joshua sits twelfth in the drivers' standings.
Joshua Dürksen: "I am incredibly proud to be representing Invicta Racing in Formula 2 in 2026. The team has, over several years, proven itself to be one of the best in the championship, and I am very pleased to have been given this opportunity.
I have already learned a lot in Formula 2 and I feel ready to fight at the front every weekend and show what Paraguay is capable of. I look forward to getting to work with the team and am confident that together we can achieve a lot next year."
The upcoming season will be the Paraguayan driver's third in Formula 2. In 2024 and 2025 Dürksen is racing for AIX Racing and has taken three victories. With two rounds remaining in the season, Joshua sits twelfth in the drivers' standings.
Joshua Dürksen: "I am incredibly proud to be representing Invicta Racing in Formula 2 in 2026. The team has, over several years, proven itself to be one of the best in the championship, and I am very pleased to have been given this opportunity.
I have already learned a lot in Formula 2 and I feel ready to fight at the front every weekend and show what Paraguay is capable of. I look forward to getting to work with the team and am confident that together we can achieve a lot next year."
Jack Crawford: A new experience awaits me in Mexico City.
In Mexico Jack Crawford will make his debut behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car during the race weekend. The American driver will run the first practice session, replacing Lance Stroll. In an interview with the Aston Martin press office Jack talked about his preparations for the upcoming sessions.
Question: What do you think about taking part in the first practice behind the wheel of the AMR25?
Jack Crawford: I’m very excited. Last year I took part in tests in Abu Dhabi after the season ended and did several TPC tests in a car from previous years. Now I’m facing a new experience, considering there will be many other cars on track, so traffic will be one of the factors I’ll have to deal with.
We have a packed schedule ahead, as we’ll need to work on the car’s setup for the weekend. I’m looking forward to taking part in that.
In Mexico Jack Crawford will make his debut behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car during the race weekend. The American driver will run the first practice session, replacing Lance Stroll. In an interview with the Aston Martin press office Jack talked about his preparations for the upcoming sessions.
Question: What do you think about taking part in the first practice behind the wheel of the AMR25?
Jack Crawford: I’m very excited. Last year I took part in tests in Abu Dhabi after the season ended and did several TPC tests in a car from previous years. Now I’m facing a new experience, considering there will be many other cars on track, so traffic will be one of the factors I’ll have to deal with.
We have a packed schedule ahead, as we’ll need to work on the car’s setup for the weekend. I’m looking forward to taking part in that.
Hajar: We can earn points this weekend.
In Austin Isaac Hadjar and Liam Lawson failed to score points. Racing Bulls have set themselves the task of returning to the top ten at the upcoming Mexican Grand Prix.
Isaac Hadjar: "I'm looking forward to returning to the track in Mexico this week. The weekend in Austin didn't go our way, as we couldn't find the pace we were expecting.
The team needs to get back to its usual form, make it into the final stage of qualifying and fight for points on Sunday. I know we're capable of that.
I made my Formula 1 debut in Mexico in first practice in 2023. I know the track and I can't wait to return, as it brings back a lot of good memories."
Liam Lawson: "Great to be back in Mexico. It's a unique race here, and the high altitude of the circuit makes the car difficult to drive.
In Austin Isaac Hadjar and Liam Lawson failed to score points. Racing Bulls have set themselves the task of returning to the top ten at the upcoming Mexican Grand Prix.
Isaac Hadjar: "I'm looking forward to returning to the track in Mexico this week. The weekend in Austin didn't go our way, as we couldn't find the pace we were expecting.
The team needs to get back to its usual form, make it into the final stage of qualifying and fight for points on Sunday. I know we're capable of that.
I made my Formula 1 debut in Mexico in first practice in 2023. I know the track and I can't wait to return, as it brings back a lot of good memories."
Liam Lawson: "Great to be back in Mexico. It's a unique race here, and the high altitude of the circuit makes the car difficult to drive.
With five races left in the season, the Williams team sits fifth in the Constructors' Championship and will be fighting to hold onto it…
Carlos Sainz: "It's Mexican week on the calendar — I always enjoy racing at this track, where the fans give you energy.
It's a shame I'm starting the weekend with a five-place grid penalty, but we know the car is quick and we hope that will allow us to make up ground. The team is making progress, and I'm looking forward to the race!"
Alex Albon: "I'm looking forward to the trip to Mexico and hope to finish the two‑Grand Prix stretch with a good result.
The circuit in Mexico is different from the others, primarily because of the high altitude, and the stadium section is one of the best on the Formula 1 calendar. Our task is to avoid mistakes, execute cleanly, minimize risks and do our job well."
Carlos Sainz: "It's Mexican week on the calendar — I always enjoy racing at this track, where the fans give you energy.
It's a shame I'm starting the weekend with a five-place grid penalty, but we know the car is quick and we hope that will allow us to make up ground. The team is making progress, and I'm looking forward to the race!"
Alex Albon: "I'm looking forward to the trip to Mexico and hope to finish the two‑Grand Prix stretch with a good result.
The circuit in Mexico is different from the others, primarily because of the high altitude, and the stadium section is one of the best on the Formula 1 calendar. Our task is to avoid mistakes, execute cleanly, minimize risks and do our job well."
The FIA announced the lineup of participants for the official press conferences of the Mexico Grand Prix. On Thursday the press center will be visited by six drivers, divided into two groups of three. First to answer questions will be Oscar Piastri (McLaren), Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) and Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull). They will then be replaced by Nico Hülkenberg (Kick Sauber), Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) and Carlos Sainz (Williams). On Friday team principals will speak to the journalists: Frédéric Vasseur (Ferrari), Ayo Komatsu (Haas) and Jonathan Wheatley (Kick Sauber). On Saturday and Sunday the day's top three drivers will answer questions.
Mexican Grand Prix: Circuit and statistics
FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO DE LA CIUDAD DE MÉXICO 2025
Date
Circuit
Lap length
Laps
Distance
24-26/10/25
Hermanos Rodríguez
4304 m
71
305.354 km
Official website
In 2015, after a 23-year break, the Mexican round returned to the World Championship calendar for the third time. The comeback was triumphant — with packed grandstands and an incredible atmosphere that has remained unchanged since. A large-scale reconstruction of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, which held its first official Grand Prix in 1963, preserved much of the historic circuit while bringing it up to modern standards.
Negotiations on the Mexican round’s return began in 2012, when Bernie Ecclestone and Carlos Slim Jr., the son of the well-known telecommunications magnate, agreed the terms of a five-year contract. Slim acted as the financial guarantor of the project, which received state support.
FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO DE LA CIUDAD DE MÉXICO 2025
Date
Circuit
Lap length
Laps
Distance
24-26/10/25
Hermanos Rodríguez
4304 m
71
305.354 km
Official website
In 2015, after a 23-year break, the Mexican round returned to the World Championship calendar for the third time. The comeback was triumphant — with packed grandstands and an incredible atmosphere that has remained unchanged since. A large-scale reconstruction of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, which held its first official Grand Prix in 1963, preserved much of the historic circuit while bringing it up to modern standards.
Negotiations on the Mexican round’s return began in 2012, when Bernie Ecclestone and Carlos Slim Jr., the son of the well-known telecommunications magnate, agreed the terms of a five-year contract. Slim acted as the financial guarantor of the project, which received state support.
Antonio Fuoco on his upcoming debut with Ferrari
The 24 Hours of Le Mans champion, 29-year-old Antonio Fuoco, is eagerly awaiting the first Friday practice, where he will sit behind the wheel for the first time in an official Formula 1 weekend session…
Question: Antonio, in the first practice in Mexico you will sit in Lewis Hamilton’s SF-25. How important is this moment for you?
Antonio Fuoco: I am sincerely proud of the opportunity to debut in an official weekend session; it will make me happy both personally and professionally.
I will be driving Lewis’s car and working again in the adjacent garages with Charles, like in 2017 in Formula 2 – it’s a special event. We spent a lot of time together, then our paths diverged, but we have always maintained an excellent relationship, and today we have both achieved great success at Ferrari.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans champion, 29-year-old Antonio Fuoco, is eagerly awaiting the first Friday practice, where he will sit behind the wheel for the first time in an official Formula 1 weekend session…
Question: Antonio, in the first practice in Mexico you will sit in Lewis Hamilton’s SF-25. How important is this moment for you?
Antonio Fuoco: I am sincerely proud of the opportunity to debut in an official weekend session; it will make me happy both personally and professionally.
I will be driving Lewis’s car and working again in the adjacent garages with Charles, like in 2017 in Formula 2 – it’s a special event. We spent a lot of time together, then our paths diverged, but we have always maintained an excellent relationship, and today we have both achieved great success at Ferrari.
© Editorial Board of F1News.Ru 1997-2025. Mass Media Registration Certificate El. No. FS77-29173. Registered with the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media.
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Mexican Grand Prix: Pre-race comments
McLaren Formula 1 Team
Lando Norris: "I'm very excited about the trip to Mexico City. I like the city, and the circuit is interesting to drive. There are a lot of fans in the city who love Formula 1, so I'm looking forward to feeling their energy.
After finishing on the podium in Austin I want to build on that result and fight for more points this weekend."
Oscar Piastri: "A new race weekend straight after Austin gives a great opportunity to get back in the car and work with the team to maximise our pace. I'm confident we'll have a productive weekend.
I'm looking forward to the upcoming round and focused on giving my all in Mexico City."
Pato O'Ward: "It's always nice to come home. The atmosphere and fan support in Mexico City are always amazing.
I'm looking forward to getting back on track with the team to help with car setup and gather data.
McLaren Formula 1 Team
Lando Norris: "I'm very excited about the trip to Mexico City. I like the city, and the circuit is interesting to drive. There are a lot of fans in the city who love Formula 1, so I'm looking forward to feeling their energy.
After finishing on the podium in Austin I want to build on that result and fight for more points this weekend."
Oscar Piastri: "A new race weekend straight after Austin gives a great opportunity to get back in the car and work with the team to maximise our pace. I'm confident we'll have a productive weekend.
I'm looking forward to the upcoming round and focused on giving my all in Mexico City."
Pato O'Ward: "It's always nice to come home. The atmosphere and fan support in Mexico City are always amazing.
I'm looking forward to getting back on track with the team to help with car setup and gather data.
Mexican Grand Prix: Betting odds
Bookmakers have published the odds on winning the upcoming Mexican Grand Prix.
They consider Max Verstappen the favorite for the race, as he convincingly won both the sprint and the race at the recent round in Austin. In second place among the contenders is Lando Norris, and third is Oscar Piastri.
The chances of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are rated lower than those of George Russell, although in Austin the Ferrari drivers finished ahead of the Mercedes driver.
Bookmakers' odds: Mexican Grand Prix winner
Verstappen
2.00
Norris
3.50
Piastri
5.00
Russell
11.00
Leclerc
13.00
Hamilton
26.00
Antonelli
51.00
Tsunoda
151.00
Albon
201.00
Alonso, Sainz, Hadjar
301.00
Bearman, Bortoleto, Lawson, Hulkenberg
501.00
Ocon
751.00
Gasly, Stroll
1501.00
Colapinto
2001.
Bookmakers have published the odds on winning the upcoming Mexican Grand Prix.
They consider Max Verstappen the favorite for the race, as he convincingly won both the sprint and the race at the recent round in Austin. In second place among the contenders is Lando Norris, and third is Oscar Piastri.
The chances of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are rated lower than those of George Russell, although in Austin the Ferrari drivers finished ahead of the Mercedes driver.
Bookmakers' odds: Mexican Grand Prix winner
Verstappen
2.00
Norris
3.50
Piastri
5.00
Russell
11.00
Leclerc
13.00
Hamilton
26.00
Antonelli
51.00
Tsunoda
151.00
Albon
201.00
Alonso, Sainz, Hadjar
301.00
Bearman, Bortoleto, Lawson, Hulkenberg
501.00
Ocon
751.00
Gasly, Stroll
1501.00
Colapinto
2001.
© Editorial Board of F1News.Ru 1997-2025. Mass Media Registration Certificate El. No. FS77-29173. Registered with the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media.
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Ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix, the FIA announced changes to the track and the DRS zones.
There are few changes. New asphalt has been laid in the 150-metre braking zone at Turn 12.
The FIA confirmed the locations of three DRS zones at the Hermanos Rodríguez circuit.
The detection point for the first DRS zone is 70 metres after Turn 9, and the activation point is 80 metres after Turn 11.
The second and third DRS zones share a detection point on the exit of Turn 15. The activation point for the second is 240 metres after Turn 17, and the third is 115 metres after Turn 3.
There are few changes. New asphalt has been laid in the 150-metre braking zone at Turn 12.
The FIA confirmed the locations of three DRS zones at the Hermanos Rodríguez circuit.
The detection point for the first DRS zone is 70 metres after Turn 9, and the activation point is 80 metres after Turn 11.
The second and third DRS zones share a detection point on the exit of Turn 15. The activation point for the second is 240 metres after Turn 17, and the third is 115 metres after Turn 3.
Mexico Grand Prix: Race Preview
We will remember the end of the 2025 season often. As an example of how closely fought the battle was, engineers from different teams, working in different directions, reached the same level by the end of the regulations’ lifespan. As an example that even amid the total dominance of one team and a concentration of effort on the car for the new regulations, engineers of another team can still turn the situation around.
Only two months ago, after the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, Oscar Piastri led his McLaren teammate Lando Norris by 34 points, and Max Verstappen of Red Bull by 104. It seemed the fate of the title was decided, but many said that the “papaya rules” would work only until the Formula 1 championship title was within arm’s reach. And no team’s rules can stop a driver’s sporting selfishness, without which there is no point in racing.
Four race weekends have passed since then.
We will remember the end of the 2025 season often. As an example of how closely fought the battle was, engineers from different teams, working in different directions, reached the same level by the end of the regulations’ lifespan. As an example that even amid the total dominance of one team and a concentration of effort on the car for the new regulations, engineers of another team can still turn the situation around.
Only two months ago, after the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, Oscar Piastri led his McLaren teammate Lando Norris by 34 points, and Max Verstappen of Red Bull by 104. It seemed the fate of the title was decided, but many said that the “papaya rules” would work only until the Formula 1 championship title was within arm’s reach. And no team’s rules can stop a driver’s sporting selfishness, without which there is no point in racing.
Four race weekends have passed since then.
Former Formula 1 and GT driver and FIA TCR stewards’ consultant Pedro Lamy has been invited to serve as the third steward at the Mexican Grand Prix.
Alongside him, disputed incidents will be reviewed by a representative of the German association DMSB, DTM steward Dr. Gerd Ennser, and Matthew Selley, a member of the Australian Rally Commission.
In 2025, the invited stewards were: Enrique Bernoldi in Australia, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Azerbaijan and Austin; Pedro Lamy in China, Japan and the Netherlands; Vittantonio Liuzzi in Bahrain, Imola, Monaco, Barcelona, Silverstone and Spa; and Derek Warwick in Miami, Austria, Hungary, Italy and Singapore.
Alongside him, disputed incidents will be reviewed by a representative of the German association DMSB, DTM steward Dr. Gerd Ennser, and Matthew Selley, a member of the Australian Rally Commission.
In 2025, the invited stewards were: Enrique Bernoldi in Australia, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Azerbaijan and Austin; Pedro Lamy in China, Japan and the Netherlands; Vittantonio Liuzzi in Bahrain, Imola, Monaco, Barcelona, Silverstone and Spa; and Derek Warwick in Miami, Austria, Hungary, Italy and Singapore.