Max Verstappen highlights crucial Mexico focus as new record beckons

Max Verstappen has highlighted that getting engine cooling in the right window will be critical during this weekend's Mexico City Grand Prix.

The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez hosts the 19th round of the current F1 campaign, with the race posing a unique challenge due to its high altitude.

Due to the lower air density, keeping the engine temperature under control is a bigger challenge than at many other events, and teams often fit extra slots in the engine cover to enhance cooling.

Verstappen enters the round after a challenging event last time out in the USA, where he still managed to bag a top three finish.

The Dutchman insisted there are elements of the RB22 that the team must understand if it hopes to be competitive in Mexico.

"It was a more difficult race than expected in Austin, but we need to take the positives as we still managed to secure a podium," Verstappen said.

"Going on to the second race of the triple header, Mexico has very different conditions compared to Austin, so it is difficult to predict how we will fare there.

"There are things we need to understand with the car first and the team has been working hard on this."

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Verstappen chasing sixth F1 win at one circuit

Should Verstappen take to the top step of the podium on Sunday, it would be his third race victory in four rounds.

It would also mark a sixth race win around the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, setting a new personal record for the most victories at a single track.

Currently, Verstappen has five wins around the Mexican venue, as well as the Yas Marina Circuit and the Red Bull Ring.

The four-time champion added: "Hopefully we can be a bit more competitive in Mexico; it can be quite tricky to race here, with the altitude and the overheating, so we need to make sure we have the cooling right and ensure the car is in the right window.

"The fans here are always so passionate, which is nice to see, and it will be an interesting race."