As NASCAR prepares for its first Cup Series points race held outside the United States, Daniel Suarez enters the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City aiming to claim victory in the inaugural Viva Mexico 250. Suarez, representing Trackhouse Racing, will compete in both the Xfinity Series race on Saturday and the main Cup event on Sunday, hoping to impress the strong local fanbase.
Though Suarez shares a family connection with four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen, the NASCAR driver is choosing not to rely on Verstappen’s guidance for navigating the Mexican track. This decision stems from fundamental differences in the cars they pilot and the unique demands of the venue itself.
Family Link to Max Verstappen Creates Expectations for Shared Insights
Daniel Suarez and Max Verstappen became relatives through their relationships with Julia and Kelley Piquet, daughters of three-time F1 World Champion Nelson Piquet. Suarez is married to Julia, while Verstappen and Kelley recently welcomed a baby daughter, although they have not yet married. Despite this close family tie, Suarez is cautious about taking advice from Verstappen, who races regularly at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez as part of the Formula 1 calendar.
His reasoning focuses on the vast differences between his Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Next Gen Cup car and Verstappen’s open-wheel Red Bull F1 machine. Suarez highlighted that the distinct characteristics of these vehicles result in contrasting driving techniques for extracting speed.
“It’s going to be a challenge for everyone. And also, you know, something else that I saw is that in Formula 1, through the esses, they go wide open when they’re low on fuel in the soft tire. We’re going in second gear, so it’s quite different.”
—Daniel Suarez, NASCAR Driver
“I don’t know if I can get a lot of advice from Max or someone that has run Formula 1 cars there before,”
—Daniel Suarez, NASCAR Driver
Distinct Racing Conditions at High-Altitude Track Limit Cross-Discipline Guidance
The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez track’s unique characteristics further reduce the relevance of Verstappen’s experience for Suarez. Located roughly 7,300 feet above sea level, the 2.6-mile circuit sits at an elevation that significantly lowers air density. This thinner atmosphere poses challenges beyond what both drivers endure at sea level tracks.
For competitors, this altitude can induce mild lightheadedness due to reduced oxygen. For racecars, the decreased air pressure leads to a loss of aerodynamic downforce and affects engine and brake cooling. Formula 1 cars address this by running their highest downforce setup from Monaco to counteract the impact on grip and handling. This adaptation further widens the gap between the F1 driving style and the approach needed for a NASCAR Next Gen Cup car.
Despite these differences, one similarity remains: NASCAR Cup cars also lose downforce under these conditions, making setup and driving strategy crucial. Suarez noted that he is still unfamiliar with nearly half of the circuit, particularly the stadium section introduced more recently, which adds to the complexity of his preparation.
Why Suarez Chooses Independent Preparation Over Verstappen’s Insight
Given the disparity in vehicle dynamics, track conditions, and the extent of Suarez’s knowledge of the circuit, consulting Verstappen is unlikely to provide the practical help one might expect from family connections. The NASCAR driver’s focus is on developing his own approach tailored to the Chevrolet Camaro’s attributes and the demands posed by the Mexican venue.
This approach underscores the challenges faced when translating experience from Formula 1 to Next Gen Cup racing. Suarez’s decision reflects a pragmatic understanding that, despite the personal relationship, the technical and tactical differences require independent learning and adaptation to maximize performance.
As NASCAR expands internationally, performances like Suarez’s will not only energize local fans in Mexico City but also contribute to shaping how drivers and teams approach races on unique circuits far from traditional U.S. venues. The Viva Mexico 250 thus represents both a milestone and a learning opportunity in the evolving NASCAR calendar.
