Vettel looking for Mexico impact

Sebastian Vettel admits racing at altitude offers unique problems but hopes Ferrari can close the gap to traditional Mexican favourites Red Bull. The Formula 1 roadshow descends on Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez for the Mexican Grand Prix this week, with Mercedes already suggesting they will struggle at the venue. Long straights and racing in thinner air seems to have handed the advantage to Ferrari although it has been Red Bull’s Max Verstappen who has enjoyed success in recent years. The young Dutchman won in both 2017 and 2018 and it is thought he could have a say in proceedings on Sunday as well. Vettel confessed it is tough to control the car at times but will do all he can to take the chequered flag. “Obviously racing at altitude has an impact on how the car feels,” he said. “We are racing with maximum downforce level in terms of car set-up, but since we are racing so high above sea level, the air is very thin and the cars actually produce very little downforce. “Over the past couple of years, we have been on an upward trend in Mexico although Red Bull has been the team to beat. But I think the gaps between us are getting smaller, so let’s see how we get on this year.”