- Today’s attendance: 114,563
- For the second year in a row, Hamilton could claim the title of World Champion at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez
For the second year in a row, Mexican fans could bear witness to yet another world championship for Lewis Hamilton, who will start third on the grid tomorrow in Mexico. This would make Hamilton a five-time world champion, matching Juan Manuel Fangio and only two titles away from the legendary Michael Schumacher.
‘My goal is to win the race to get the title, that’s what I want. Every race feels different, the one thing that does not change is that the goal is always the same, to win the championship,’ said the 33-year-old Brit after the race in Austin, where he earned 15 points. Hamilton needs to finish seventh in the FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO DE MEXICO 2018TM, regardless of who gets first place in Sunday’s race.
The grandstands were filled with excitement, energy and adrenaline during the qualifying session, as Mexican fans hope to see the World Champion’s crowning for the second consecutive year, as well as witnessing the great performance of the Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and of course, Daniel Ricciardo, who took pole position.
‘Super happy! It’s been a while since pole. It’s been a while since we had a pretty good weekend in general and we’ve been quick all weekend. And from the team’s point of view to get a one-two in qualifying is awesome. Obviously we have to finish the job tomorrow… I think it’s too early to say it’s just going to be a race between each other, as nice as that would be,’ said Daniel Ricciardo.
Mexico’s local boy, Sergio “Checo” Pérez, will start the FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO DE MEXICO 2018TM 13th on the grid, behind Fernando Alonso.
‘We basically chose a better strategy over grid position. My only regret is that Fernando is ahead of me: I lacked a bit of grip in the final part of my Q2 lap and he was able to be ahead of me on hypersofts. I am confident about our chances tomorrow. We believe our strategy is the correct one and we can move forward in the race,’ said Checo.
Beyond the on-track action, and despite some rain, the crowds were able to enjoy all the activities that took place all around the track. Undoubtedly, one of the events that caused the greatest buzz among the fans — being that this is the first year it has been done — was the on stage appearance at the Fan Forum by the Spaniards Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso.
Day 2 of the Mexico F1®ESTA ended with the attendance of 114,563 delighted enthusiasts who supported their favourite teams and drivers during the qualifying session of the FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO DE MEXICO 2018™. They now cannot wait to see out how the race unfolds, as the rain could play a decisive role and bring an unexpected result.
General reminders
Getting there: We remind you that there will be NO parking at the venue, so we recommend using public transportation to get to the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez for the race. Line 9 of the subway, including the Velodromo, Ciudad Deportiva and Puebla stations; Line 2 of the Metrobús, Iztacalco and UPIICSA arrivals; as well as bus routes 1, 9, 11, 27, 78, M1 Bicentenario and the Sausa Corridor, are the best way to get to the racetrack.
Fernando Alonso Farewell: Do not forget to print your mask, featuring the face of the Spanish driver and join in the tribute that will take place during the Drivers’ Parade.
Daylight Savings time change: Please be reminded that Daylight Savings Time in Mexico ends on Sunday, October 28th, shifting to Winter Time, which means that all clocks must be set back one hour.
