With just three races of the season to go, Daniel has paid tribute to the McLaren supporters on the back of the rapturous reception he received in Austin last week, hailing the part they play in his pre-race routine on the grid.

Daniel's love of Texas and our American fanbase is well-known. The Honey Badger dressed for the occasion at Austin, entering the paddock on horseback on Thursday in a star-spangled top and cowboy outfit, accompanied by a cowboy with a guitar.

Despite a frustrating weekend on track, Daniel's mood never dipped. The Australian thanked the fans for ensuring his smile remains wide and his spirits high, saying that he expects this to continue in Mexico, where he arrived dressed for the spooky season.

"I love Austin, I love the US, it was great, but this year the fans have been nuts everywhere," Daniel said. "That is the thing, Saturdays haven't really been good for me this year, but on Sunday, I get on the grid, and I am excited to go again.

"When there is the anthem, and the crowd starts cheering, that is cool, and they help. Mexico is also a good one, the fans this year have been nuts everywhere here."

With three races to go, Daniel hopes to add to his points tally at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez and finish in the top 10 for the second time in four races.

He has competed in every Mexico City Grand Prix since its return to the calendar in 2015, scoring a podium at the track in 2016 and taking pole in 2018, and asserted his belief that he can end the season strongly.

He continued: "We can see the finish line in what has been a pretty tough season. I certainly still feel like there is an opportunity somewhere to have another nice result before the season closes, though.

"Every weekend, I feel like there is something new to learn, so we are trying to analyse that to help ourselves for coming weekends. We will keep fighting. It can be tough sometimes, but we rock up on a race week with a fresh spirit, and I think that is helping us."

At more than 2200m above sea level, the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez provides a tough physical challenge for drivers. Heading into the 20th round of the season, Daniel's experience at navigating the tricky conditions and at enduring a long season will come in handy when battling the remaining physical hurdles.

"There is the effect of the altitude here, and the lack of grip is a big thing, it makes us lose a lot of downforce," he explained. " I don't really feel affected by the altitude behind the wheel, it is more things like trying to sleep at night, which is different here. Trying to stay healthy through this week will help.

"I have been doing this for a few years now, and I know when to take time off and push a bit. I am feeling all right. Little things can help, like minimising travel where possible, which reduces jet lag and can help you to stay in top [condition].

"I think this part of the season is actually easier, though, because you can see the finish line. When there are seven races to go, that is more where you feel the fatigue because you know there is still quite a bit to go. With three to go, it is fairly easy to push yourself to the end."

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