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Russell Points to Ferrari Turbo Advantage
George Russell believes Ferrari could hold an advantage at the Mexico City Grand Prix, suggesting that the team's smaller turbo is built to cope better with the severe turbo lag caused by the thin air. Speaking on Thursday, Russell said the new-generation power units face an unusual challenge this weekend, predicting that turbo lag will be a big factor for many teams. He noted that it is no secret Ferrari runs a smaller turbo than most rivals, giving them a probable advantage in this area and leading to the team being tipped as a potential favourite at the circuit's extreme altitude.
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Leclerc Downplays Favourite Tag
Charles Leclerc, however, played down the favourite tag heading into the weekend. The Ferrari driver stated that he does not fully agree with suggestions that his team is the favourite for the event, asserting that Mercedes remains the favourite wherever the championship travels. Leclerc also noted that Red Bull has been very strong recently.
Hamilton Highlights Engine Deficit
Lewis Hamilton offered a contrasting perspective on Ferrari's package, again identifying the engine as a key weakness and stating that the team's remaining races will increasingly be used to test ideas for 2027. Hamilton said they need to maintain the strengths of the chassis, which he described as excellent, and make sure they have a competitive engine. He stated that the team would have been fighting for first place if they possessed a competitive unit, explaining that they lose too much on the straights.
Honda Expects Grid-Wide Power Challenges
The challenge posed by the altitude is expected to extend across the entire grid. Honda's Shintaro Orihara explained that power issues will not affect Honda alone, expecting other manufacturers to be impacted as well. Outlining the potential consequences for power unit operation in the thin air, Orihara cautioned that they may need to limit engine performance in what he described as a worst-case scenario.
Sources: Russell Tips Ferrari's Smaller Turbo for Mexico Advantage.
