Daniel Suarez prepares for first NASCAR Cup race in Mexico as he targets victory at the inaugural Viva Mexico 250 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez this weekend, while choosing not to seek advice from Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen despite their family connection. Suarez, racing for Trackhouse Racing, is set to compete in both the Xfinity Series race on Saturday and the main NASCAR Cup Series event on Sunday in Mexico City, marking a historic moment for NASCAR’s premier series outside the United States.
Suarez Takes on Double Duty in Mexico City Debut
This weekend marks a turning point for Daniel Suarez and for NASCAR as a whole, as the championship hosts its first-ever points-paying Cup Series event beyond the United States. Suarez, who has quickly become a prominent figure in Mexican motorsport, aims to maximize his presence for local fans by racing in both major events over the weekend. Competing in back-to-back races allows him to gain extra experience on the circuit and connect directly with the enthusiastic Mexican crowd.
Behind the wheel for Trackhouse Racing, Suarez will drive the #99 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. The significance of the moment is heightened by Suarez’s dual role as both a homegrown star and an ambassador representing his country on the international NASCAR stage.
Family Ties Link Suarez and Verstappen, But Racing Approaches Differ
Many observers wondered if Daniel Suarez’s unique relationship with four-time F1 World Champion Max Verstappen—through their respective ties to the Piquet family—would give him an advantage heading into this significant race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. Suarez is married to Julia Piquet, daughter of former F1 champion Nelson Piquet, while Verstappen is in a relationship with Julia’s sister Kelley. Though the two drivers are now relatives, Suarez made clear that advice from Verstappen won’t be central to his preparation.
While Verstappen has a wealth of experience at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez through his Formula 1 career with Red Bull, Suarez acknowledges the extreme differences between the cars each man drives. The dynamics and handling characteristics of an F1 machine differ drastically from those of a NASCAR Next Gen Cup car—ranging from aerodynamics to braking and how each car tackles the challenges of the circuit.
“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
Altitude at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez Alters Preparation
Another factor discouraging Suarez from relying on Verstappen’s advice is the unique altitude of the race venue. Located 7,300 feet above sea level, the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez presents rare challenges for drivers and their machines. The moderate oxygen levels impact both human performance and car setups, as both drivers and vehicles must adjust to the thinner, less dense air.
Notably, the reduced air pressure affects downforce generation for all types of race cars and weakens engine and brake cooling capabilities. This loss of downforce is something Formula 1 teams try to counteract by bringing their highest downforce packages—often developed for places like Monaco—when they race in Mexico. However, the fixes used in F1 do not translate to the stock car world, forcing Suarez and his team to develop their own solutions for the Cup car.
The unfamiliar conditions mean that any notes or advice shared by Verstappen would be of limited use. Even with Verstappen’s expertise at this circuit, the foundational differences between F1 and NASCAR Cup cars make a direct comparison impossible for strategies, setup, or on-track tactics.
Facing the Unknown in the Stadium Section
As Daniel Suarez prepares for the weekend’s doubleheader, he faces another obstacle: a lack of experience with nearly half the circuit, especially the stadium section known for its atmosphere and complexity. Suarez’s transparency about not having driven this portion of the track underlines why he cannot fully rely on advice from those more accustomed to F1 setups and approaches.
The home crowd’s excitement and the historic nature of NASCAR’s arrival in Mexico City add to the intensity, with Suarez determined to find his own way around the track’s challenges. For Mexican fans and the global racing community, all eyes will be on whether Suarez can convert his local advantage and determination into a successful result in NASCAR’s first top-tier race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
This event showcases how the cultural, technical, and familial ties between different corners of motorsports sometimes take a back seat to the realities imposed by the cars and circuits themselves. As the inaugural Viva Mexico 250 approaches, Daniel Suarez’s journey will illustrate both the excitement and the uniqueness of racing on home soil—using experience, preparation, and a determination to meet new challenges apart from advice even from the likes of Max Verstappen.
