Plank Gate, High Altitude & Rookies - 2023 Mexico GP Preview

Will 'plank gate' continue to be a thing as Formula 1 reaches Mexico City for this weekend's 2023 Mexico Grand Prix? Yes, we think so - and it should be so.

Is Formula 1 too complex for FIA to police it fairly? And 'fairly' is the word, especially with 50% of the cars scrutineered post-race in Austin failed the test. Does this system need to evolve, and if so, what's the most fair way to do so given Formula 1's logistical schedules?

In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah discuss what sets the Circuit Hermanos Rodriguez apart - and why 'altitude' will be the buzzword this weekend. 

The race to finish in P2 behind Max Verstappen is heating up. In the last 6 races, 4 different drivers have finished in P2. If Lewis Hamilton hadn't been disqualified in the 2023 United States Grand Prix, the number would've been 5.

Also, Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the 2023 Mexico Grand Prix weekend are landmark days in Formula 1 history. Btw, this will be the 1099th Grand Prix in the history of the sport. 

Will Ferrari's struggles in Mexico continue? Will Red Bull-Max Verstappen's dominance continue? They've won four out of the last five races. Will we see a new pole sitter for the eight year in succession? And of course, will Logan Sargeant celebrate his first Formula 1 point in Mexico? Lots to look forward to this weekend and in our 2023 Mexico Grand Prix preview podcast. 

Tune in!

(Season 2023, Episode 57)

Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah

Image courtesy: Red Bull Content Pool

**Summary: Inside Line F1 Podcast, Episode 57 - Mexico Grand Prix Preview**

The Inside Line F1 Podcast's hosts, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah, discuss the upcoming Mexican Grand Prix and various related topics.

**Plankgate Controversy:**

1. The recent "Plankgate" controversy, involving the disqualification of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc for technical infringements, is a major talking point.
2. The fairness of the system for scrutinizing cars, given that only a small percentage are checked post-race, is questioned.
3. The logistical challenges of checking every car in a timely manner are acknowledged.
4. The need for a more equitable solution that ensures fairness and addresses fan concerns is emphasized.

**Altitude's Impact on Circuit Hermanos Rodriguez:**

1. The high altitude of Mexico City (2,200 meters above sea level) significantly affects the performance of Formula 1 cars.
2. The thinner air results in reduced downforce, even with high-downforce configurations.
3. Teams employ various strategies to compensate, such as opening up the rear of the cars for better cooling and adjusting setups.
4. The unique characteristics of the circuit, including the stadium section and the long run from P1 to the braking zone, make for exciting racing.

**Battle for P2:**

1. With Max Verstappen's dominance, the focus shifts to the battle for P2 in the drivers' championship.
2. Four different drivers have won the last six races, highlighting the competitiveness of the midfield.
3. Sergio Perez, as the home driver, will be looking to capitalize on the momentum and challenge for a podium finish.

**Ferrari's Struggles at High Altitude:**

1. Ferrari has historically struggled at the Mexican Grand Prix due to the high altitude.
2. The team experienced poor performance and reliability issues in 2022, finishing well behind the leaders.
3. The effectiveness of Ferrari's solutions to address these problems remains to be seen.

**Young Drivers in FP1:**

1. Four teams will field young drivers in FP1, including Logan Sargeant, Jack Doohan, Vesti, and Hadjar.
2. The timing screen abbreviations for these drivers' names provide some amusing quirks.
3. The significance of the Mexican Grand Prix as a venue for young drivers to gain experience is discussed.

**Landmark Occasions:**

1. The weekend marks several significant anniversaries: 10 years since the last Indian Grand Prix, 5 years since Lewis Hamilton's 5th title in Mexico, and 6 years since his 6th title in Mexico.
2. The tight battle between Alfa Romeo and AlphaTauri for 8th place in the Constructors' Championship is also highlighted.

**No Track Limit Penalties:**

1. The Mexican Grand Prix is unique in having minimal track limits, with the walls serving as the primary boundary.
2. This eliminates the need for track limit penalties, ensuring that results are determined solely by on-track performance.

The podcast concludes with a reminder of the upcoming episodes: a review of the Mexican Grand Prix and a preview of the following race in Brazil.