Mexico cover photo

Mexico F1 24: Sector-by-Sector Track Guide

Welcome to the Mexico F1 24 Track Guide!

Discover how to master the iconic Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, the home of the thrilling Mexico Grand Prix. This guide will provide a detailed breakdown of each sector, corner-by-corner tips, previous pole lap benchmarks, and essential car setup advice to help you conquer the track. Known for its high-altitude challenges, long straights, and technical corners, the Mexico circuit is a true test for any racer. Whether you’re an experienced sim racer or a newcomer, this guide will help you unlock your fastest lap times and master the Mexico Grand Prix.

Circuit Overview

  • Location: Mexico City, Mexico
  • Length: 4.304 km (2.674 miles)
  • Corners: 17
  • DRS Zones: 3
  • Layout: A mix of long straights, tight corners, and high-speed sections.
  • Surface: Smooth asphalt with high grip levels, but the high altitude affects engine performance.
  • Unique Feature: The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is known for its unique combination of technical sections and high-speed straights, with the famous “Peraltada” corner being a standout. The track’s high-altitude location also significantly impacts car performance and aerodynamics.

Sector 1: (Turns 1-3)

  • Turn 1:
    The lap begins with a hard braking zone into the tight right-hand corner at turn 1. Focus on hitting the apex and keeping a tight line on exit to maximize you your angle into turn 2.
  • Turn 2:
    Transition into turn 2, aim for the apex and bump over the kerb, take a tight line to be able to carry momentum through to turn 3. 
  • Turn 3:
    A tight right-hand corner, demands a delicate touch. Aim for the apex and bump over the kerb, keep the car stable and use all the track on exit to maximise speed down the next straight, but be mindful of the track limits on the exit. 

Sector 2: (Turns 4-11)

  • Turn 4-5:
    The approach to turn 4 and 5 is a tricky left right sequence.  Brake hard and trail brake into the corner, aim for the apex and clip the kerb, rotate the car into the middle of the track on exit to open up turn 5.   Use the kerb on entry for turn 5 to help rotate the car, try not to mount the  kerb to much as this can unsettle the car, use the full width of the  track without running wide. 
  • Turn 6:
    This is another tricky right hand corner with a double apex, a slight dab of brakes to settle and rotate the car is all you need, turn in and hit the first apex, use this to rotate the car to the second apex and smoothly increase your throttle input to build momentum for the next fast flowing section, pull the car to the right of the track for optimal position for the next corner. 
  • Turn 7:
    This is a short, tricky left-hander that’s easy to get wrong. Clip the inside kerb but don’t get greedy as this will unsettle the car,  be mindful of the car’s grip as you navigate through, aiming to carry speed for the following corners.
  • Turn 8-9:
    This right-left sequence of corners can be taken flat out, smooth steering inputs and bumping over the kerbs are crucial for car stability, Stay steady on the throttle and avoid running wide to keep your momentum.
  • Turn 10-11:
    Another right-left sequence that requires smooth inputs, take lots of kerb over both turns, keep the car as straight as possible and take the path of least resistance, try not to scrub any speed into the next DRS straight.  

Sector 3: (Turns 12-17)

  • Turn 12:
    The first corner of Sector 3, brake hard into this medium speed corner, bump over the kerb but avoid running wide on exit as track limits will be violated. 
  • Turn 13:
    This is a slow tight left-hander that requires patience and precision. Brake early and carry just enough speed to carry momentum through this tricky sector.  Aim for a late apex and clip the kerb to position for the next corner. 
  • Turn 14-15:
    These technical corners demand good rhythm. The key is to maintain stability through the slow-speed corners, and focus on positioning the car for the final corners.
  • Turn 16-17:
    The last corners are double right corners before the main straight.  Turn into turn 16 and clip the kerb, use all of the track’s width on exit to help carry the highest possible speed into turn 17, maintain a smooth steering and throttle input to carry maximum speed down the long straight and finish the lap.

Full Qualifying Lap

In this section, you’ll find my full Mexico F1 24 qualifying lap video, where I push the limits of precision and speed to challenge myself against real-world qualifying lap times. Experience the thrill of navigating Mexico’s iconic stadium section, Watch as I push through the long straights and technical sections, maximizing every inch of the track to secure the fastest possible lap. See how my lap compares to the best in Formula 1, and witness the technical mastery required to conquer the challenging Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Join me for an exhilarating ride around the Mexico Grand Prix circuit!

Previous Pole Lap Times at Mexico Grand Prix

Here are the pole lap times for the Mexico Grand Prix in recent years, showcasing the incredible speed and precision required to master this high-altitude circuit.

  • 2024 Pole Lap: Carlos Sainz – 1:15.946
  • 2023 Pole Lap: Charles Leclerc – 1:17.166
  • 2022 Pole Lap: Max Verstappen – 1:17.775
  • 2021 Pole Lap: Valtteri Bottas – 1:15.875
  • 2020 Pole Lap: Cancelled Covid-19

Personal Lap Reflection

I was really happy with this lap! The setup was extremely stable, and I was able to attack the kerbs without any issues. The straight-line speed was strong, allowing me to carry plenty of momentum down the main straight. The only difference between the game and real life is that the game mechanics can’t quite replicate the high altitude of Mexico, so you can’t run as much downforce as the real-life teams do. However, this is easy to overcome, and with this setup, I was able to find the perfect balance. This track has definitely become one of my favorites to race at!

Mexico F1 24 Setup

For my Mexico F1 24 Grand Prix qualifying lap, I used a setup designed for a 35% race distance with 100 AI difficulty. This balanced setup provides stability through Mexico’s challenging corners and long straights, allowing for confident attacks on the kerbs and smooth transitions between sectors. With this setup, I didn’t need to make mid-session adjustments like brake bias or differential changes—it’s a reliable, “set it and forget it” approach that lets you focus solely on pushing your lap and race performance to the limit.

AerodynamicsFront wing45
Rear wing33
TransmissionDifferential on-throttle75%
Differential off-throttle30%
Engine braking100%
Suspension GeometryFront camber-3.50
Rear camber-2.20
Front toe-out0.00
Rear toe-in0.05
SuspensionFront suspension35
Rear suspension5
Front anti-roll bar21
Rear anti-roll bar17
Front ride height23
Rear ride height53
BrakesBrake pressure100%
Front brake bias55%
TyresFront right tyre pressure27.7psi
Front left tyre pressure28.0psi
Rear right tyre pressure25.5psi
Rear left tyre pressure25.8psi

Memorable Moments of the Mexico Grand Prix

  1. The Return of the Mexican GP (2015):
    After a 23-year hiatus, the Mexican GP made its highly anticipated return to the F1 calendar in 2015, sparking excitement among fans and drivers alike. In this race, Nico Rosberg claimed pole position ahead of his teammate Lewis Hamilton, who had already secured the World Championship by then. Rosberg showcased an exceptional performance both in qualifying and throughout the race, ultimately securing victory and giving his season a significant boost.
  2. Lewis Hamilton’s Fourth Championship (2017):
    The 2017 Mexican GP delivered all the excitement fans were hoping for, with Lewis Hamilton on the verge of clinching his fourth World Championship. The race had its dramatic moments, especially when Sebastian Vettel, who started from pole position, had a minor collision with Hamilton. This resulted in a puncture for the British driver, causing him to fall down the order. Despite the setback, Hamilton showed incredible resilience, managing to recover and finish in 9th place, which was enough to secure the championship. 
  3. Lewis Hamilton Clinches His Fifth World Title (2018):
    The 2018 Mexican Grand Prix was a historic race for Lewis Hamilton, as he secured his fifth World Championship title. Heading into the race, Hamilton needed just a handful of points to clinch the title, and despite finishing in 4th place, his result was enough to seal the deal. The race itself was a thrilling contest, with Max Verstappen dominating from start to finish and taking the victory. However, it was Hamilton’s consistency throughout the season and his ability to manage the pressures of the weekend that led to his championship triumph. With his fifth title, Hamilton solidified his place as one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history.  
  4. First Turn Drama (2021):
    The 2021 Mexican GP stands out as one of the most exciting races in recent times, with Turn 1 proving to be the scene of dramatic collisions and chaos. The action started early when Daniel Ricciardo made contact with Valtteri Bottas, causing the Finn to spin out of control. Meanwhile, local hero Sergio Perez had his own troubles, venturing onto the grass as the track became increasingly congested. To add to the mayhem, both Mick Schumacher and Yuki Tsunoda were involved in separate incidents that forced them to retire from the race prematurely. The first-turn drama set the tone for an unpredictable and action-packed race, highlighting the intensity and unpredictability of the Mexican Grand Prix.
  5. Verstappen vs Norris (2024):
    The 2024 Mexican Grand Prix saw an intense and controversial battle between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris as the championship fight reached its climax. Norris got a strong exit out of Turn 3, using DRS to make a move around the outside of Turn 4. However, Verstappen aggressively opened his steering, forcing Norris off the track and onto the grass, which allowed Carlos Sainz to slip through into the lead. The battle didn’t stop there—Verstappen made a highly unconventional lunge up the inside of Turn 7, a corner rarely used for overtaking. The aggressive move sent both cars off the track, with Norris dangerously close to the outside wall, forcing him to take evasive action. As a result of these incidents, Verstappen received multiple penalties, adding further drama to an already action-packed race.

Conclusion

The Mexico Grand Prix remains one of the most thrilling and challenging races on the Formula 1 calendar. From the high-speed straights to the technical corners, it offers everything a driver could want—overtaking opportunities, tight battles, and intense action. Whether it’s navigating the infamous Turn 1 or dealing with the unique high-altitude conditions, mastering this circuit requires a perfect balance of speed, strategy, and precision. By honing your setup and fine-tuning each sector, you can unlock the full potential of this iconic track. The Mexico GP has provided countless unforgettable moments in Formula 1 history, and with the right approach, you can experience the same excitement in the virtual world. Keep pushing those limits, and who knows—you might just secure that perfect lap!

I put together this track guide using my trusty Fanatec GT DD Pro 8Nm racing wheel paired with the F1 Esports V2 rim, along with modded CSL pedals for that extra responsiveness. I race on the PS5, seated comfortably in my modified Playseat Challenge. To elevate my performance even further, I gear up with specialized gloves and boots that provide the perfect grip and feel. This setup has truly enhanced my control and precision on the track, making every racing session not just competitive, but incredibly enjoyable!

“Looking for more tips and in-depth guides? Check out my YouTube channel for detailed walkthroughs, pole lap videos, and setup insights for every track. Don’t forget to subscribe for the latest updates and sim racing content!”

Disclaimer: Please note that these are affiliate links, and I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *