Alex Albon’s Formula 1 weekend at the Mexican Grand Prix turned out to be a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows, largely influenced by the ever-changing track temperatures. The Thai-British driver started strong, impressively securing the second-fastest time in the first practice, just a fraction behind eventual race winner Max Verstappen. However, as temperatures rose, Albon faced challenges that affected his performance on the track.
Throughout the weekend, Albon grappled with managing the sensitive nature of his car in hot conditions. The rising track temperature posed a significant hurdle, causing the car to slide more than usual and creating additional tire wear. This issue became particularly evident during qualifying, where Albon found it challenging to maintain his pace, ultimately qualifying in 14th position.
In the race, Albon continued to battle tire management due to the heat, forcing him to focus on preserving tire life rather than pushing for maximum speed. Despite these challenges, Albon managed to secure two points by finishing in ninth place, showcasing his ability to adapt and make the best out of a difficult situation.
Williams’ head of vehicle performance, Dave Robson, also highlighted the impact of temperature fluctuations, emphasizing the team’s surprise at the significant performance differences caused by the heat. Small adjustments became crucial in managing the car’s behavior, underlining the intricate balance Formula 1 teams must maintain to optimize their performance under varying track conditions.
