FIA confirms three Straight Mode zones for the Mexico City Grand Prix
The FIA has confirmed three Straight Mode zones for the Mexican Grand Prix at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, the same number as at Miami and Montreal. The first sits on the run from the final corner to Turn 1.
The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is known for its long main straight, and the 2026 rules give the FIA a new way to shape what drivers can do on it. For this weekend's Mexican Grand Prix, the governing body has confirmed three Straight Mode zones, according to PlanetF1's report on the FIA's decision.
Where the zones are
Straight Mode is part of the 2026 active aerodynamics rules. When a driver deploys it, the front and rear wings move to a lower-drag setting for more straight-line speed. It can only be used in zones the FIA designates for each circuit.
At Mexico City the zones are placed as follows, as described by PlanetF1:
- **Zone 1** starts 70 metres after Turn 17, just after the finish line, and ends 150 metres after the corner. It covers the run down to Turn 1. - **Zone 2** starts 150 metres after Turn 3 and ends 80 metres later. - **Zone 3** starts 70 metres after Turn 11 and ends 150 metres after the corner.
The zones for Overtake Mode are separate. Detection is in the middle of Turn 15 and activation in the middle of Turn 17.
How Mexico compares
The number of zones changes from track to track this season. Australia has the most with five, according to PlanetF1's tally, while Monaco has none at all because of its layout. Three zones in Mexico City match the numbers used at Miami and Montreal.
The article does not say why the FIA chose three zones here, and it carries no quotes from FIA officials.
What to watch
The Mexican Grand Prix weekend runs from 30 October to 1 November, with qualifying on Saturday 31 October and the race on Sunday 1 November. With the thin air at altitude reducing drag and downforce for every car, teams will be looking closely at how much extra speed Straight Mode gives them in Zone 1 on the long main straight, and how much that changes the picture into Turn 1 on race day.
Mexico City is also the weekend where Kimi Antonelli can clinch the 2026 drivers' title, so how drivers use the aerodynamic modes in the race could matter for more than just lap time.
