Mexico City Grand Prix 2026 preview: Malaysia-time schedule as F1 heads to high altitude

Formula 1 moves straight from Austin to Mexico City for round 19 of the 2026 season, with the Mexico City Grand Prix taking place from 30 October to 1 November at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. It is the first leg of the final run of five races, and depending on Sunday's result at the Circuit of the Americas, it could become the place where Kimi Antonelli seals the world title. For fans in Malaysia, it means another early start, with the race beginning at 4am on Monday, 2 November.

Malaysia-time schedule

Mexico City runs on UTC-6 all year and no longer uses daylight saving time, so it is 14 hours behind Malaysia. Based on the official timetable published by Formula 1:

• Practice 1: Friday 30 October, 12:30 local, which is 2:30am Saturday 31 October in Malaysia
• Practice 2: Friday 30 October, 16:00 local, which is 6am Saturday 31 October in Malaysia
• Practice 3: Saturday 31 October, 11:30 local, which is 1:30am Sunday 1 November in Malaysia
• Qualifying: Saturday 31 October, 15:00 local, which is 5am Sunday 1 November in Malaysia
• Grand Prix: Sunday 1 November, 14:00 local, which is 4am Monday 2 November in Malaysia

Timetables can change, and some outlets have published practice 3 and qualifying an hour later, so it is worth checking the official schedule again during race week. There is no sprint race in Mexico.

The circuit

The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is 4.304km long and the race runs over 71 laps. Its defining feature is altitude: the circuit sits more than 2,200 metres above sea level, and the thin air reduces both engine cooling and aerodynamic downforce. Teams run high-downforce wing settings that still produce relatively low grip, and drivers often describe the car as feeling light. The long run to Turn 1 is one of the longest on the calendar and is usually the best overtaking opportunity, while the final sector winds through the Foro Sol stadium section in front of packed grandstands.

Lando Norris won the race in 2025 and Carlos Sainz won in 2024.

Title picture

Antonelli arrived in Austin 102 points ahead of his Mercedes teammate George Russell and started the US Grand Prix from pole. If he does not clinch the title in Austin, Mexico becomes his next opportunity. After Mexico, four races and 100 points remain, so he would need to leave Mexico City at least 100 points clear of every rival. A tie on points would be decided on race wins, where he currently leads Russell eight to three.

In the constructors' championship before Austin, Mercedes led on 578 points from Ferrari on 444. The closest fight was for third, where McLaren (339) were just seven points ahead of Red Bull (332).

Other storylines

Sergio Perez, now racing for Cadillac, will again be the home favourite in front of the Mexican crowd, although the new team has been at the back of the field, with Perez and Valtteri Bottas qualifying 21st and 22nd in Austin. Grid penalties are another theme to watch: with the season's power-unit allocations stretched, three drivers took penalties in Austin, and more could follow as teams reach the final rounds.

Key takeaways

• The Mexico City Grand Prix runs from 30 October to 1 November.
• The race starts at 4am Monday, 2 November, Malaysia time; qualifying is at 5am Sunday.
• The 4.304km circuit is at more than 2,200m altitude, cutting downforce and cooling.
• Antonelli could clinch the title in Mexico if he does not do so in Austin.
• Mercedes lead the constructors' table, with McLaren and Red Bull seven points apart for third.

FAQ

What time is the Mexico City Grand Prix in Malaysia? The race starts at 4am on Monday, 2 November, Malaysia time, which is 2pm on Sunday in Mexico City.

Is there a sprint race at the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix? No. It is a standard weekend with three practice sessions, qualifying and the race.

Why is altitude important in Mexico City? The thin air reduces downforce and engine cooling, so teams use high-downforce settings that still give less grip than usual.

Sources: Formula1.com, Grande Premio, Motor Sport Magazine, GPFans, Wikipedia