Returning to the calendar last year, the Mexican Grand Prix proved to be a passionate and atmospheric event. The bedrock of support for Formula 1 in this country goes back to the early 1960s when two brothers Pedro and Ricardo Rodriguez made a name for themselves at the highest level of motorsport, but tragically in Ricardo’s case over a very short period. He was killed in practice at this venue, now named in their honour, while Pedro went on to a successful career in both F1 and sportscars before also becoming the victim of a much more dangerous era.
Taking those early years into account, this potentially could be the fourth time that the World Championship is decided here, a venue that back then was the host of the year’s final Grand Prix. John Surtees took a crucial 2nd place in 1964 to become the only man to have won the World Championship on both two wheels and four, while Denny Hulme wrapped up the title ahead of team mate and boss Jack Brabham in 1967. Graham Hill took an emotional 2nd crown here in 1968 when both of his rivals suffered mechanical misfortunes, and for this race to be the decisive one in 2016, it will take either mechanical problems or an accident for Lewis Hamilton in combination with a victory for Rosberg to settle the outcome in the German's favour with two races to go.
Lewis drove a superb weekend in Austin, he looked absolutely committed throughout, nailed the start and had so much control that he spent the race worrying about his car letting him down. The reality is that this current Mercedes team has a very good reliability record in the races, except of course for that bizarre engine failure in Malaysia which has given Rosberg such a useful buffer in the points. Hamilton’s other engine problems earlier in the year struck in qualifying and had a knock-on effect in the races, but never stopped him scoring points. Rosbertg, meanwhile, last suffered a mechanical failure in Russia over a year ago with a broken throttle mechanism putting him out entirely. So the odds are not high that Hamilton will suffer a breakdown in the race, but you never know.
I doubt that this will be the last chapter in an enthralling battle. Hamilton has not given up, and every weekend offers an opportunity for Red Bull or Ferrari to squeeze into the mix, as we saw when Ricciardo held 2nd for part of the race in Austin. I wouldn’t put it past Lewis to try and make use of their rivals to put a few gaps between himself and Rosberg, especially on the opening lap. Of course, Rosberg can avoid that by taking pole position and making a break, staying out of trouble and further bolstering his championship lead. As ever, he claims his focus is entirely on winning this weekend’s race and nothing else, and yet how can he ignore the tantalising presence of a first World title?
Meanwhile, the Mexican fans will be cheering every move that Sergio Perez and Esteban Giutierrez make, and the atmosphere in the final stadium section will be captivating as it was last year. It also created one of the best podium celebrations seen in a long time, a sensation that Nico Rosberg appeared to draw strength from as it set him up for a 7 race winning sequence that put him in such a strong position in the early stage of this championship. In theory, he could be celebrating not just a win but a title here on Sunday, but Lewis Hamilton will be utterly determined to prevent it.
Taking those early years into account, this potentially could be the fourth time that the World Championship is decided here, a venue that back then was the host of the year’s final Grand Prix. John Surtees took a crucial 2nd place in 1964 to become the only man to have won the World Championship on both two wheels and four, while Denny Hulme wrapped up the title ahead of team mate and boss Jack Brabham in 1967. Graham Hill took an emotional 2nd crown here in 1968 when both of his rivals suffered mechanical misfortunes, and for this race to be the decisive one in 2016, it will take either mechanical problems or an accident for Lewis Hamilton in combination with a victory for Rosberg to settle the outcome in the German's favour with two races to go.
Lewis drove a superb weekend in Austin, he looked absolutely committed throughout, nailed the start and had so much control that he spent the race worrying about his car letting him down. The reality is that this current Mercedes team has a very good reliability record in the races, except of course for that bizarre engine failure in Malaysia which has given Rosberg such a useful buffer in the points. Hamilton’s other engine problems earlier in the year struck in qualifying and had a knock-on effect in the races, but never stopped him scoring points. Rosbertg, meanwhile, last suffered a mechanical failure in Russia over a year ago with a broken throttle mechanism putting him out entirely. So the odds are not high that Hamilton will suffer a breakdown in the race, but you never know.
I doubt that this will be the last chapter in an enthralling battle. Hamilton has not given up, and every weekend offers an opportunity for Red Bull or Ferrari to squeeze into the mix, as we saw when Ricciardo held 2nd for part of the race in Austin. I wouldn’t put it past Lewis to try and make use of their rivals to put a few gaps between himself and Rosberg, especially on the opening lap. Of course, Rosberg can avoid that by taking pole position and making a break, staying out of trouble and further bolstering his championship lead. As ever, he claims his focus is entirely on winning this weekend’s race and nothing else, and yet how can he ignore the tantalising presence of a first World title?
Meanwhile, the Mexican fans will be cheering every move that Sergio Perez and Esteban Giutierrez make, and the atmosphere in the final stadium section will be captivating as it was last year. It also created one of the best podium celebrations seen in a long time, a sensation that Nico Rosberg appeared to draw strength from as it set him up for a 7 race winning sequence that put him in such a strong position in the early stage of this championship. In theory, he could be celebrating not just a win but a title here on Sunday, but Lewis Hamilton will be utterly determined to prevent it.