Strategies and pit windows: Here's when F1 drivers could pit during the Mexican GP

With the two Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz locking out the Mexican Grand Prix front row ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen, it is now a case of who will make their cars work over the next 71 laps.

The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez circuit is a unique challenge for Formula 1 drivers as they contend with the high altitudes. The thin air is the only element to contend with, but tyre wear could also come into play.

However, according to Mario Isola, Pirelli's motorsport head, tyre degradation will not be as much of an issue.

"The aero settings on the cars are similar to those used on high-downforce circuits - only with a much-reduced effect on the tyres," he said.

"The grip from the asphalt is also much less than average, as surface roughness is among the lowest of the entire calendar."

Why is a one-stop strategy more likely than a two-stop at the #MexicoGP? @Mario_Isola explains ?? #Fit4F1 pic.twitter.com/buBmNwrtUT

The possible strategies

For this race, Pirelli brought the three softest compounds in its 2023 F1 tyre allocation, with data collected across Friday and Saturday's running suggesting that the quickest strategy in Sunday's Grand Prix will be a one-stop race.

As such, drivers who start on the yellow-walled Medium tyre could see the pit window open between Laps 27 and 34, switching to the white-walled Hard tyre for the rest of the race.

Alternatively, a two-stop race could see drivers switch the Mediums for the Hards, before another stop around Laps 45 and 51 to complete the final stint on the Medium tyre.

An unlikely strategy will be to start the race on the Hard tyre and run deep into the race. The pit window will open between Laps 50 and 56 as the final stint could be completed on the Soft tyre.

"This year,