Page 121 of Overtake
They dive deep into brake temperatures, downforce levels, and tire degradation patterns, finally settling on some minor changes to Nico’s setup.
Heinrich steps back. “We’ll adjust the front wing angle to compensate for the reduced air density. See how the car performs through FP2.”
Nico nods. “And the diffuser?”
“The team is modifying it based on your feedback from FP1.”
Esteban claps him on the shoulder. “Go find a quiet spot to unwind before you get back in the car.”
Nico nods. He knows when to listen to his trainer, and Esteban knows when to send him off on his own.
The paddock hums with Friday energy as Nico leaves the garage. Teams move equipment, media chases down stories,and mechanics hurry to make setup changes before FP2. Nico’s looking for a quiet place in the pit building.
“Brake temperatures?” Petra falls into step beside him as he nears a lift. It goes up to the F1 VIP suites above the garages. She’s all business.
“Altitude effects. You?”
“Looking for grip.” She grabs his sleeve. “Come on. I know where we can chill.”
They take the lift to the top level, hustle past suites filled with well-heeled fans, then take a set of stairs that leads to the building’s roof. The perspective is outstanding. From here, they can see the long main straight, the challenging first sector, and the stadium in the distance.
“God, I love this crowd.” She points to the grandstands filling with fans despite it being only Friday practice. Mexican F1 fans are legendary for their passion, arriving early and staying late.
Nico traces the circuit with his gaze, visualizing his racing line. “Turn 4 will be crucial with these brake temperatures.”
“The long run to turn 3 makes it brutal if you’re not perfect through there,” Petra agrees, following his gaze.
They fall into technical discussion, analyzing the track layout and discussing setup challenges, both seeking those crucial tenths that make the difference between winning and just showing up.
They’re being watched and photographed, of course, but it doesn’t matter if they don’t let it.
“Your brake temperatures still affecting turn 13 entry?” She studies the corner sequence.
“Working on it. You sorted that suspension issue?”
Petra scoffs. “What issue?”
Nico laughs.
It’s just shop talk between competitors. The way they’ve done since the days when they competed together on WB’s karting team.
“Heinrich thinks the altitude’s throwing off everyone’s calculations.” Nico watches a marshal’s vehicle sweep the empty track. “Every team’s scrambling to adjust.”
“Asuka agrees.” The air density changes everything—brake cooling, engine performance, downforce. She gestures toward the track. “Those tight corners in sector 3 are going to expose everyone’s weaknesses.”
“Es verdad.”It’s true. Mexico City’s unique challenges magnify every setup error.
“Your teammate looked more controlled in FP1,” she says.
Nico nods. “He’s finding his way back to who he was before Graham’s expectations became louder than his instincts.”
“Yeah. It’s good to see.”
They’re avoiding discussing the FIA investigation, and Nico’s fine with that. Talking about it won’t change anything, and he’d rather just plan racing lines and be with her.
Racing strategy and Petra, his two favorite things.
She bumps her shoulder against his as fans wave and cheer, spotting them on the roof. “Your setup ready for FP2?”
