6 things to WATCH out for at the Mexican GP

The rebuilt and modified Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez may have lost the full force of the Peraltada final corner but its replacement became the defining image of F1’s return to Mexico last year after a 22-year absence. The new stadium section twists and bunches the cars into a frantic end to the lap before the long and eye-wateringly fast home straight.

Last year’s return to Mexico exceeded predictions on top speeds with Sebastian Vettel blasting through the speed trap at 227mph on the main straight. The central American event now has a rival for its high speed crown with the introduction of the Grand Prix of Europe in Baku where Valtteri Bottas posted speeds of 235mph in June. This weekend the super-soft Pirelli tyres will be used for the first time in Mexico, along with power unit advances over the past 12 months, so the bar for top speed could be raised once again.

Speaking of speed, Mercedes-powered cars totally dominated 12 months ago with seven out of the top ten finishers running the German manufacturer engines – including a podium lockout with a Mercedes one-two and the Williams of Valtteri Bottas in third. Will the Ferrari, Renault or Honda engines be able to respond?

Kimi Raikkonen is set to celebrate his 250th Grand Prix start in his Formula 1 career in Mexico. With 16 pole positions, 20 wins and 84 podium in total so far in his career the Finn will be eager to toasts it with a first rostrum finish since the Austrian Grand Prix in June.

33 points slimmed to 26 with Lewis Hamilton’s win in Austin but the defending F1 world champion will need a maiden win in Mexico plus a couple of his rivals finishing ahead of Nico Rosberg if he is to keep realistic hopes of a title charge going into the final two races.

While Daniil Kvyat was confirmed to stay at Toro Rosso for 2017, 10 race seats remain unconfirmed for 2017. Renault still acts as the key factor as talks with Valtteri Bottas leave Kevin Magnussen and Jolyon Palmer waiting tentatively. The Bottas hold-up is effectively keeping Williams undecided as it will seek a more experienced driver to partner Lance Stroll if Bottas leaves.