Mexican GP 2022 : A look into one of the most extravagant podium ceremonies in Formula 1
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Lewis Hamilton at the 2019 F1 Mexican GP
After what seems like an eternity, the Mexican GP is finally here and will be taking place this weekend. Being one of the last few races that remain in the calendar before the season ends, it’s always a big possibility that the drivers or constructors title gets decided here itself. However, that wasn’t the case last year and it surely wasn’t this year. There is one thing that hasn’t changed at all at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
You guessed it right. It’s the post race celebrations that come in the form of the extravagant podium ceremonies. A lesser known fact about the Mexican GP is that it’s podium is the only one on the F1 calendar that isn’t situated on the start/ finish straight. Instead, it is at the Foro Sol stadium which is located in the 3rd sector of Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. However that isn’t the most interesting part of the podium ceremony.
The podium ceremonies for this race are like no other. A DJ is hired to play in front of the crowd which gathers around the stadium after the race is over to watch the drivers. The atmosphere is like no other with Mexican fans turning into party animals, thanks to the DJ’s efforts. Like in previous years, the Mexican GP race winners get to experience something really special.
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The Mexican GP Race Winner gets to have their car on the podium with them
Normally there are 3 drivers and one member of the winning team on the podium. Although this gets a slight twist during the Mexican GP weekend as the race winner gets their car lifted up onto the podium along with them. It’s immensely crazy and the fans love this move. After winning the race, the car gets transported to the podium where it gets lifted up along with the driver as a grand entrance is then produced for the fans.
Lewis Hamilton got to do it back in 2019 with his Mercedes as he won the Mexican GP. 2 years later, Max Verstappen got to do the honour with his Red Bull in 2021 after what was a very entertaining race. Home hero Sergio Perez was also on the podium as he came 3rd and sent his fans into ruptures. It was truly a great feat to witness. With Max Verstappen having a great reputation for his antics in Mexico, a win looks imminent.
However there are many variables that will affect him. Anyone from either Red Bull or Mercedes has the ability to take the Mexican GP win having seen their recent performances. No matter who wins the race, it will surely be entertaining to see the car lifted up onto the podium with music playing in the background and a party atmosphere everywhere with a couple thousand passion driven fans.
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Varad Joshi
(940 Articles Published)