Up Mexico way

Though Bernie Ecclestone and FOM have come into (fair) criticism over the years for the way he has diversified - some would say, diluted - the F1 calendar by introducing new venues considered somewhat out of step with the heritage that the sport still holds dear, F1's return to Mexico proved both timely and popular.

With almost 90,000 spectators packing the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez grandstands on the first day alone, the crowds may have been excited by the drivers, but the drivers were equally excited by the crowds too.

In a series not often associated with 'sense', the return to Mexico made exactly that. Unwavering interest - even during that 23 year absence -, one (soon to be two) home heroes on the grid and a wealth of prominent local sponsors (mostly from the Carlos Slim Telmex stable) means Mexico can probably counted as one of those 'heritage' nations that many fear are disappearing from the schedule.

However, it isn't just the decision to return to Mexico itself that shows F1 isn't entirely out of touch with its audience. The stadium complex is a shrewd bit of spectator-friendly circuit design made all the more impressive by the fact it has stopped anyone from mourning the loss of the iconic Piratelda bend it replaced, while putting the podium right there is a smart touch too.

Naturally, the curiosity of a new event is always likely to entice the crowds, but it's the sheer histrionics of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez - a proper inner city parkland circuit, squeezed between highways, train lines and an airport - that makes this race just that bit more appealing, not least because it is so against the grain of the more recent out-of-town, purpose built venues, many of which are accused of lacking soul. By contrast, in terms of soul and character, the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez has more than a few hints of Monza

With the axe still looming over the likes of Monza and Hockenheim, Ecclestone has often justified his decision for going where the money is to forge new markets and expand F1's global appeal, but Mexico - which comes with significant government endorsement and a tie-in with a tourism push - proves finance and fans can go hand-in-hand.

It makes wonder whether this will spur on a ripple effect amongst other former classic venues with a strong F1 following to perhaps look harder for the finance to pitch their own return... Kyalami and Bueno Aires anyone?

Stoffel's Waffles

It had to happen... We've been waiting all season for a waffle-based pun-inspired gathering with GP2's latest champion but Stoffel's Waffles finally happened this weekend as Mr Vandoorne was let loose amongst a select group of media over breakfast.

With the GP2 title sewn up and no more talk of whether he could in line for a McLaren-Honda F1 seat next year, it was a chance to get better acquainted with the driver many are tipping for big success in the coming seasons. A (bad pun alert) Stoffel grill-ing if you will (sorry...)

Officially speaking, Vandoorne doesn't currently have a deal for 2016, nor a manager. However, he speaks about his probable third role at McLaren as a matter of fact and there is no reason to suggest it will be anything else, even if he says other teams have sniffed around too.

Whilst he admits the tale of Kevin Magnussen has left him slightly anxious for his own future, he is currently happy to pledge his future to the team. indeed, McLaren seems to have a better plan for Vandoorne than it did with Magnussen, with the Belgian expressing he 'wants to race' in 2016, a stipulation that is set to manifest in outings in Super Formula and Super GT, where Honda has an interest.

A year on the sidelines aside, there is every reason to suggest Vandoorne is being primed for great things by McLaren and you would hope it will learn from the unfortunate Magnussen situation and not let Vandoorne slip through its fingers.

Self-assured, confident and mild-mannered, Vandoorne fits the F1 mould well in a manner not dissimilar to Max Verstappen (maybe it is a Flemish thing), though he inevitably brings more experience.

In fact, all that is missing is the F1 race drive. It's a shame then that nobody knows when (hopefully not 'if') it will materialise...