Mexico Grand Prix in jeopardy? 'Potentially catastrophic hurricane' on the way

Mexico is preparing for the arrival of a severe hurricane. It is still unclear whether it will affect the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Mexico City next weekend. However, the hurricane is expected to lose strength once it makes landfall.

The hurricane, named Otis, currently falls into the fourth category. That means there will be 'catastrophic damage' if it makes landfall. The hurricane is still gaining strength and could grow into a category-5 hurricane, which is classified as 'potentially catastrophic'.

The US National Hurricane Centre (NHC) is warning of 'large waves', flooding and heavy rainfall in coastal areas near Acapulco, where very strong wind gusts of over 230 kilometres per hour are already being experienced. The NHC's main concern is the risk of coastal flooding.

Whether the hurricane will affect the F1 weekend at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is still unclear, but that chance seems relatively small. Mexico City is about a five-hour drive from Acapulco, and the hurricane is expected to lose strength once it makes landfall.