Alonso: Altitude puts “great strains” on drivers and the cars

The Mexican Grand Prix adds the extra challenge of racing at high altitude, which Fernando Alonso believes can be difficult to overcome.

The high altitude of the Mexican Grand Prix, according to Fernando Alonso, can put “great strains” on both the driver and the car.

Because the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is 2,200 meters above sea level, the air is thinner, affecting engine performance as well as aerodynamics.

The driver may also experience physical strain as a result of the altitude. Yuki Tsunoda has stated that he has made extra preparations for this, and Alonso believes it will undoubtedly be difficult.

“It’s usually a hot race and the altitude is high, so it puts huge stresses on us and the car,” Alonso said in Alpine’s race preview.

Despite this, the Spaniard enjoys racing in Mexico City and is looking forward to taking in the atmosphere, especially in the stadium section.

“It’s another fun track where there are good overtaking opportunities and a very long straight,” Alonso explained.

“We go to another race where the atmosphere is great, and the stadium section of the track is like no other on the calendar. I love football and it reminds me a lot of a football stadium when you are in that final sector.”

Setup challenges

Esteban Ocon, Alonso’s teammate, is a fan of Mexico as well, but he admits that the high altitude may make finding the right setup for the car difficult.

“The circuit is a good one to race at,” the Frenchman said.

“It’s pretty tough for a number of reasons, but mainly because of the high altitude, which affects the power unit and finding a good setup. Actually, the cars are set to high downforce, but it feels like it’s low downforce because of the conditions.”

Alpine will be looking for a better finish in Mexico City after a double DNF last time out at the United States Grand Prix.

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