The Mexico City Grand Prix will kick off with an unusual twist this weekend, as Friday afternoon’s FP2 session is set to host a crucial Pirelli tyre test. This test, looking forward to the 2025 Formula 1 season, will expand FP2 to a 90-minute session—breaking the usual practice format to accommodate a comprehensive evaluation of new tyres.
Fresh off the intensity of last week’s United States Grand Prix, the F1 grid is now preparing to electrify the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, home to fan favorite Sergio “Checo” Perez. While the F1 Sprint format won’t feature this weekend, the return to the standard three practice sessions will see a slight modification, as FP2 is set to become a crucial testing ground for Pirelli’s new tyre compounds.
In this extended session, all drivers will partake in a structured test plan, trialing a combination of Pirelli’s softer compounds, including the C4, C5, and an all-new prototype C6 tyre. Each driver will be equipped with two extra sets of tyres to conduct the test—one from the regular GP weekend range and another featuring the prototype C6 compound.
Pirelli’s mission during the session is to compare the new tyre’s performance against the existing range. To maintain accuracy, every driver will follow a strict run plan involving both short and long stints, with consistent fuel loads to provide controlled, comparable data for the Italian tyre manufacturer. This data will be pivotal for future development, feeding into the post-season tests in Abu Dhabi, which will wrap up the 2024 F1 calendar.
Several rookies will also step into the spotlight during FP1. Mercedes will see young star Andrea Kimi Antonelli replacing Lewis Hamilton, marking his second outing in the W15 after his Monza appearance. Meanwhile, Felipe Drugovich will step in for Fernando Alonso at Aston Martin, and Robert Shwartzman will take over from Zhou Guanyu at Sauber.
To compensate for the time lost by these seasoned drivers during FP1, an additional 30 minutes will be added after the Pirelli test in FP2, allowing them extra track time to catch up. Along with this, these drivers will receive an extra set of medium tyres to complete their session.
FP2, set to kick off at 16:00 local time on Friday, October 25, will offer fans and teams a unique blend of competitive practice and critical tyre development—setting the stage for the future of F1 tyres and the upcoming Mexico City Grand Prix.
