The Mexican Grand Prix holds a special place in Formula 1’s rich history. With its passionate fans, vibrant atmosphere, and dramatic races, Mexico has become one of the most anticipated stops on the F1 calendar. From its inception in the 1960s to its triumphant return in recent years, the Mexican GP has been filled with iconic moments, legendary drivers, and a deep connection to the motorsport world. Here’s a look at the history of the Mexican Grand Prix, its ups and downs, and why it continues to captivate racing fans globally.
The Early Days: The 1960s Debut
Formula 1 first arrived in Mexico in 1962, though not as an official part of the World Championship. The inaugural race, held at the newly constructed Magdalena Mixhuca circuit (now known as the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez), was an exhibition event. However, its success paved the way for the Mexican GP’s inclusion in the official F1 calendar the following year, in 1963.
The 1963 Mexican Grand Prix, won by Jim Clark driving for Lotus, marked the start of what would become a beloved tradition. The Mexican GP quickly became known for its high-altitude challenges (at over 2,200 meters above sea level) and passionate local support, making it a standout event.
The Rise to Prominence: 1960s
Throughout the 1960s, the Mexican Grand Prix gained a reputation for producing thrilling races and iconic moments. One of the highlights came in 1964 when the race played a crucial role in determining the World Championship. In one of the most dramatic title deciders in F1 history, Ferrari’s John Surtees became the first and only driver to win both the F1 and MotoGP World Championships. Surtees clinched the title after team orders allowed him to finish second behind Dan Gurney, securing enough points to win the championship.
Mexico’s F1 races during this era were a fan’s dream, attracting legendary drivers like Clark, Jackie Stewart, and Graham Hill. The combination of the challenging circuit layout, the high altitude, and the growing motorsport culture in Mexico made it a highlight of the F1 calendar.
The Decline and Departure: Late 1960s-1970
Despite its early success, the Mexican Grand Prix faced growing issues in the late 1960s and 1970s. The Magdalena Mixhuca circuit’s high-speed layout was thrilling but also dangerous, with the bumpy surface and lack of modern safety measures leading to several accidents. Additionally, the increasing popularity of the event led to safety concerns with overcrowded grandstands and spectators flooding the track after races.
These safety concerns, combined with political instability in Mexico, led to the cancellation of the Grand Prix after the 1970 race, won by Jacky Ickx. It would be 16 years before Formula 1 would return to Mexico.
The Return: 1986–1992
After a long hiatus, the Mexican Grand Prix made a comeback in 1986. The venue was now named the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, in honor of the famed Mexican racing brothers, Pedro and Ricardo Rodríguez, who had both tragically died in racing accidents. The circuit underwent improvements, particularly in safety, and Formula 1 was welcomed back with open arms.
The return was a success, and for the next seven years, the Mexican GP produced memorable races. The high-altitude conditions once again challenged the teams and drivers, as the thin air affected both the aerodynamics and engine performance of the cars.
One of the most famous races during this period was the 1990 Mexican Grand Prix. Alain Prost, driving for Ferrari, delivered a masterclass in racecraft, winning from 13th on the grid. It was a testament to the unpredictability and excitement that the Mexican GP could produce.
However, by 1992, deteriorating track conditions and financial issues led to the race being dropped from the calendar again. The iconic Peraltada corner, a sweeping final turn with little runoff, was particularly criticized for its safety risks.
The Modern Era: 2015–Present
After another extended absence, Formula 1 returned to Mexico in 2015, and the race was once again hosted at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. This time, the circuit had undergone significant renovations to meet modern safety standards, including a reconfiguration of the Peraltada corner, which was altered for safety reasons. The new layout included the now-iconic stadium section, where the cars pass through the old Foro Sol baseball stadium, creating one of the most unique and vibrant atmospheres in F1.
The Mexican Grand Prix’s revival in 2015 was met with enthusiasm, and the event quickly regained its place as one of the most exciting stops on the F1 calendar. The race was an instant hit, drawing huge crowds, with local fans passionately supporting drivers like Sergio "Checo" Pérez, who had emerged as Mexico’s F1 star.
One of the most memorable moments of the modern Mexican GP came in 2017 when Lewis Hamilton secured his fourth World Championship at the race, despite finishing in 9th place after an early collision. The race also highlighted the skill of Max Verstappen, who has since won multiple times in Mexico, including an emphatic victory in 2021, further cementing his reputation as one of the sport’s brightest stars.
Mexico’s F1 Passion: The Checo Pérez Effect
The resurgence of the Mexican Grand Prix has coincided with the rise of local hero Sergio Pérez. Pérez’s career has ignited a wave of enthusiasm for Formula 1 in Mexico. When the race was reinstated in 2015, the local fans embraced him as their champion. His podium finishes in recent years have brought loud cheers from the Foro Sol stadium section, creating one of the most electric atmospheres in F1.
In 2021, when Pérez finished third at his home Grand Prix, he became the first Mexican driver to ever stand on the podium in Mexico. The moment was historic, as the crowd erupted into cheers, celebrating one of their own.
The Future of the Mexican Grand Prix
The Mexican Grand Prix is now a staple of the Formula 1 calendar, and its future looks bright. The race consistently draws massive crowds, with over 300,000 fans attending the race weekend in recent years. The combination of Mexico’s vibrant culture, the thrilling on-track action, and the passionate fanbase makes it one of the most popular events of the year.
With F1 continuing to grow globally, and Mexico remaining a key market, the Mexican GP is set to remain an essential part of the sport’s expansion in North America. As the country continues to rally around Sergio Pérez and new generations of fans discover the magic of F1, the legacy of the Mexican Grand Prix will only continue to grow.
From its beginnings in the 1960s to its modern revival, the Mexican Grand Prix has been a thrilling and essential chapter in Formula 1 history. Whether it’s the challenging circuit, the passionate fans, or the legendary moments, the race has always offered something special. As F1 continues to grow in popularity, the Mexican GP stands as a testament to the sport’s global appeal and its ability to unite fans from around the world in the shared love of speed and competition.