What happened: Ferrari engineers alerted Charles Leclerc to elevated tire vibration levels following a lockup at the Mexico City Grand Prix. Leclerc confirmed the issue over team radio, describing the vibration as massive before asking if the car remained fit to run. The pit wall instructed him to remain on circuit rather than pit for fresh rubber.

Why it matters: Tire degradation and flat spots present severe mechanical risks at the high-altitude Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, where suspension loads and braking zones punish compromised rubber. Managing the compound allowed Ferrari to protect track position while avoiding an unplanned stop. Leclerc, who agreed to a new multi-year deal with Ferrari earlier this season, eventually navigated the Grand Prix to take fourth place.

What to watch: Ferrari will examine telemetry and suspension data post-race to evaluate potential component wear caused by prolonged running on damaged compounds.