Russell sees Ferrari turbo advantage in Mexico City

George Russell believes Ferrari could gain a power-unit edge at the Mexico City Grand Prix, where thin air is expected to make turbo response a central technical challenge. But Charles Leclerc rejected the idea that Ferrari should be considered favourite, pointing instead to Mercedes and Red Bull as serious contenders.

The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez sits around 2,250 metres above sea level. The reduced air density affects aerodynamic performance and makes cooling more difficult, while also changing the demands placed on the cars’ turbochargers.

Ferrari’s smaller turbo could pay off at altitude

Ferrari’s 2026 power unit uses a smaller-diameter turbo than its rivals. Its lower inertia allows it to spool up more quickly, a potential benefit when the thinner air means less exhaust energy is available to get the turbo moving. The compromise is a ceiling on peak horsepower compared with larger turbines.

Russell expects turbo lag to be a significant factor for teams this weekend and believes Ferrari’s design could provide an advantage. He also cautioned that the scale of the challenge remains uncertain, describing the conditions as potentially difficult to manage.

Ferrari’s turbo choice was partly intended to help the car build boost at race starts without an MGU-H system, which was removed under the 2026 regulations. However, a late FIA change to the start procedures on safety grounds reduced some of the benefit Ferrari had anticipated.

For more on the Mercedes driver’s wider position within the team, read our report on Russell’s Mercedes future and the Antonelli question.

Leclerc says execution matters more than favourites tag

Leclerc played down Ferrari’s prospects as the team arrives with momentum from Singapore and Austin. He said Ferrari had made the most of its potential in those events, but maintained that Mercedes remained the leading contender wherever the championship races. He also noted Red Bull’s recent strength.

Ferrari introduced significant upgrades last weekend, but has not won a Grand Prix since Leclerc’s victory at the British Grand Prix in July. The team has often looked quick early in a weekend before losing ground when qualifying arrives, making a clean session particularly important.

Leclerc said getting the package into its optimal operating range would be decisive. If Ferrari manages that, he believes it can put itself in contention, but he stopped short of naming the team as favourite.

That emphasis on managing the team’s internal and external pressures has also surfaced in Leclerc’s response to the rivalry narrative surrounding Ferrari. In Mexico, the immediate test is whether the car’s pace and its turbo characteristics can translate into a strong qualifying performance.