Ferrari’s engine simulations spark fears Mexico City Grand Prix could be their worst race of 2026

Ferrari's engine simulations indicate the team could struggle severely at the upcoming Mexico City Grand Prix due to high altitude. Despite Charles Leclerc finishing second at the United States Grand Prix, reports from Formul1.it suggest Ferrari fears the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez circuit could expose vulnerabilities in their power unit. Consequently, the team is reportedly viewing the upcoming weekend primarily as an exercise in damage limitation.

The circuit's elevation of 7,350 feet forces Ferrari's smaller turbocharger to work significantly harder in thin air, offsetting gains made by recent aerodynamic upgrades. Ferrari previously opted against introducing a larger turbocharger during their Monza upgrade over reliability concerns, leaving them vulnerable as they battle to maintain second place in the constructors' championship against Red Bull and McLaren.