The FIA has announced modifications for the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix, impacting the DRS zones at the renowned Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit. This change is primarily aimed at balancing the dynamics of overtaking, which had been notably straightforward during the previous year's event. With these adjustments, the FIA intends to inject a more competitive and challenging element into the race.
A key modification involves the DRS zone on the track's main straight. It has been shortened by 75 meters compared to the previous year, with the activation point now set at 240 meters, revised from the earlier 165 meters. This fine-tuning responds to past critiques that overtaking had become too predictable.
The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez will retain its three DRS zones: on the main straight, between Turns 3-4, and between Turns 11-12. For the latter two zones, explicit activation details have been outlined. The zone between Turns 3-4 can be activated 115 meters after the corner, while the segment between Turns 11-12 has an activation point 80 meters post-turn.
This revision of DRS zones aims not only to recalibrate overtaking dynamics but also to ensure a safer and more competitive environment. The changes are part of broader adjustments by the FIA for the 2024 season, which also includes a uniform rule where drivers can activate DRS after just one lap following the race start or a safety car period, provided they are within one second of the car ahead.
At over 2000 meters above sea level, the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez demands particular attention from teams regarding engine performance and tire management. Such altitudinal characteristics can complicate the car systems, necessitating meticulous management to ensure competitive performance. The reduction in the DRS zone length on the main straight may potentially shift pit strategies and necessitate revised approaches to tire management.
2024 Mexican Grand Prix: Full Schedule
Friday 25 October
Practice 1:
Local Time: 12:30 - 13:30
London: 19:30 - 20:30
Los Angeles: 11:30 - 12:30
New York: 14:30 - 15:30
Imola: 20:30 - 21:30
Tokyo: 03:30 - 04:30 (Saturday 26 October)
Shanghai: 02:30 - 03:30 (Saturday 26 October)
Practice 2:
Local Time: 16:00 - 17:00
London: 23:00 - 00:00
Los Angeles: 15:00 - 16:00
New York: 18:00 - 19:00
Imola: 00:00 - 01:00 (Saturday 26 October)
Tokyo: 07:00 - 08:00 (Saturday 26 October)
Shanghai: 06:00 - 07:00 (Saturday 26 October)
Saturday 26 October
Practice 3:
Local Time: 11:30 - 12:30
London: 18:30 - 19:30
Los Angeles: 10:30 - 11:30
New York: 13:30 - 14:30
Imola:19:30 - 20:30
Tokyo: 02:30 - 03:30 (Sunday 27 October)
Shanghai: 01:30 - 02:30 (Sunday 27 October)
Qualifying:
Local Time: 15:00 - 16:00
London: 22:00 - 23:00
Los Angeles: 14:00 - 15:00
New York: 17:00 - 18:00
Imola: 23:00 - 00:00
Tokyo: 06:00 - 07:00 (Sunday 27 October)
Shanghai: 05:00 - 06:00 (Sunday 27 October)
Sunday 27 October
Race:
Local Time: 14:00
London: 20:00
Los Angeles: 12:00
New York: 15:00
Imola: 21:00
Tokyo: 04:00 - 05:00 (Monday 28 October)
Shanghai: 03:00 - 04:00 (Monday 28 October)
