As warm as glowing coal, the sun rose over the Autodromo Hermanos. Qualifying Day had arrived in Mexico, the Saturday that defines the rest of the weekend. The stakes were as high as the altitude. The entire world understood just how important the latter races were.
Before sunrise, the paddock was already awake in preparations. The majority were still in their respective team locations, while the minority—the officials—had the circuit open. It was their job to drape the track with nothing less than safety and order, regulating every element that made up the concept of racing, to ensure a successful weekend.
Qualifying in Mexico was more about adapting to the circuit's versatility than fighting for position. As a circuit known from the previous era, it was no surprise that Autodromo Hermanos had character. It might be difficult for drivers of this era, who were accustomed to "push it and do it," to seamlessly adapt their racecraft to its personality.
