Mexico City Grand Prix to stay on F1 calendar through 2028
Formula 1 confirms contract extension for Mexico City Grand Prix, boosting local economy and fan enthusiasm.
By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini
Formula 1 has officially confirmed that the Mexico City Grand Prix will remain a fixture on its racing calendar through 2028. The announcement, made on Wednesday, cements the high-altitude race’s place in the global motorsport circuit for at least another three years, following a new contract agreement between F1 management and local authorities.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali emphasized the importance of the race for both fans and the sport’s global growth. “We are very excited to announce that the Mexico City Grand Prix will continue to be part of our calendar until 2028,” Domenicali said. “Formula 1 is energy, passion, and emotion, and every year the unique atmosphere created by our fans in Mexico City is one of the most incredible and energetic experiences of our championship.”
Economic benefits for Mexico City
Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada celebrated the contract renewal, noting the race’s positive economic impact. She projected that the 2025 edition of the Mexico City Grand Prix would generate 21 billion pesos, or roughly $1.1 billion.
“The Grand Prix not only attracts motorsports fans, but also stimulates the local economy of this great city, strengthens the tourism infrastructure, and generates pride,” Brugada said. “The Mexican capital is the home of Formula 1.”
The economic significance of the race extends beyond race weekend ticket sales. It boosts hospitality, retail, transport, and tourism sectors, drawing international visitors and media attention to the city.
Mexico City's altitude adds unique challenge to F1
Set at more than 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) above sea level, Mexico City’s Autódromo Hermanos RodrÃguez presents distinct challenges to Formula 1 teams and drivers. The thin air affects turbocharger performance, engine cooling systems, and braking efficiency, while also creating less aerodynamic drag.
These variables make the Mexico City Grand Prix one of the most technically intriguing races on the calendar. Engineers and strategists must account for these conditions during race preparation, and drivers often find the circuit demands a different style of racing compared to sea-level tracks.
A beloved race with historic roots
Formula 1 first raced in Mexico in 1963, with the original Mexican Grand Prix becoming an iconic event on the F1 calendar. However, it disappeared after the 1992 season due to safety and infrastructure concerns.
After a 23-year hiatus, the Mexico City Grand Prix returned in 2015 to overwhelming support from Mexican fans. Held at the revamped Autódromo Hermanos RodrÃguez, the event quickly became one of the most popular races of the season, with passionate crowds and a festive atmosphere.
The stadium section, in particular, is known for its dramatic visuals and thunderous cheers, as fans line the grandstands to watch their favorite drivers compete. In recent years, local hero Sergio "Checo" Pérez has added even more excitement for Mexican fans, helping to galvanize national interest in the sport.
2024 race set for late October
This year’s Mexico City Grand Prix is scheduled for October 24–26, continuing the tradition of being one of the late-season races in the Formula 1 World Championship.
Organizers are already preparing for what is expected to be another sold-out event. The timing of the race allows for cooler weather, which teams and spectators typically appreciate, especially given the high altitude’s impact on performance and endurance.
F1’s strategic expansion in Latin America
Formula 1’s commitment to the Mexico City Grand Prix until 2028 is also part of its broader strategy to expand its presence in the Americas and deepen its fan base in Latin-speaking countries.
In recent years, the F1 calendar has grown to include races in Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas in the United States, alongside long-established events in Canada and Brazil. Mexico’s continued presence on the schedule underscores the region’s growing importance to Formula 1’s commercial and cultural goals.
Domenicali has consistently praised the passion of Latin American fans and the business potential of staging races in cities that draw global tourism and media attention.
Local pride and global exposure
The race has become more than just a sporting event for Mexico. It has emerged as a symbol of modern urban pride, infrastructure development, and international relevance.
Each year, the Mexico City Grand Prix brings in a wave of global media, sponsorship deals, and commercial activity. City officials see the event as an anchor for broader initiatives in tourism and international investment.
Brugada highlighted the Grand Prix as one of the city's key annual events, helping to position Mexico City as a cultural and economic capital not just in Latin America, but on the world stage.
A high-flying future for the Mexico City Grand Prix
With the extension confirmed, the Mexico City Grand Prix is now secured as a pillar of the Formula 1 calendar through 2028. The decision reinforces the race’s sporting, economic, and cultural value—both locally and globally.
As Formula 1 continues to evolve and expand its international reach, Mexico City remains a centerpiece of that growth, offering fans one of the most distinctive and thrilling venues in the championship.
And as the 2024 edition approaches, excitement is already building for another unforgettable weekend at high altitude in the heart of Mexico.
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