As the Formula 1 calendar continues to expand into new and thrilling territories, the Mexico City Grand Prix stands out as one of the most vibrant and unique spectacles of the season. With its breathtaking backdrop of the sprawling Mexican capital and a circuit running through the heart of the iconic Foro Sol baseball stadium, the race is much more than a sporting event—it’s a cultural festival. Fans, teams, and drivers alike look forward to this jewel of Latin America, which always promises drama, unpredictability, and an atmosphere like no other.
The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit is renowned for both its history and its challenges. Named after the legendary Mexican drivers Ricardo and Pedro Rodríguez, this 4.304-kilometre track is defined by its long straights, tricky slow-speed sections, and the highest altitude on the F1 calendar. Sitting at over 2,200 metres above sea level, teams face the unique complication of thin air, which significantly reduces downforce and engine power, making both cooling and aerodynamic grip major points of concern. These elements often scramble the pecking order and open the door for surprises each year.
Speed records are redefined in Mexico. Due to the thin air, cars can reach top speeds well above 350 km/h, often making the main straight—at 1.2 kilometres—one of the longest full-throttle stretches in modern Formula 1. Drivers hurtle down into Turn 1 for nail-biting overtaking opportunities and brave wheel-to-wheel battles. The stadium section, meanwhile, slows speeds dramatically, thrusting drivers into a swirling cauldron of noise where tens of thousands of passionate fans cheer every braking move and overtake attempt.
The Mexico City circuit has witnessed some historic moments since its re-introduction to the calendar in 2015. One of the most memorable was local hero Sergio Pérez’s emotional podium in 2021, when he became the first Mexican driver to finish on the podium in front of an ecstatic home crowd. Max Verstappen has also built a special relationship with the circuit, claiming several dominant victories and proving himself uncatchable in the rarefied Mexican air.
Strategy is particularly fascinating at this venue, as the combination of high speeds, low grip, and modest tyre degradation means teams must be creative to get the most out of their cars. The altitude has a significant impact not only on engine performance but also on cooling systems, with many teams forced to use larger cooling ducts or even reduce engine power to avoid overheating—a rare scenario in the modern era of Formula 1. The changing track conditions across the weekend further spice up qualifying and race-day tactics.
For Hungarian fans, the connection to Mexico is more than just the love of racing—it’s about camaraderie and global passion. Watching the tricolour grandstands erupt with joy when their favourite drivers make bold moves recalls the best moments of the Hungaroring, and the Mexican crowd’s unbridled enthusiasm mirrors the energy we find in our own grandstands each summer. The camaraderie and spirit remind us of the universal language of motorsport, crossing continents and uniting hearts.
Looking ahead to 2025, excitement is building as the championship battle shows no sign of slowing, and with every passing year, the Mexico City Grand Prix cements itself as a must-see jewel on the calendar. From the drama of Turn 1 to the deafening roars in the stadium, the event offers something unforgettable for fans, whether experiencing it trackside amid the fiesta or following every twist and turn from home. In Formula 1, few races capture the spirit of the sport quite like Mexico—expect high drama, passionate crowds, and legendary moments yet again.
