Formula 1 will continue to race in Mexico City until at least 2025 following the signing of a new contract with Mexico City Grand Prix organisers and the local government.
The Mexico City Grand Prix will remain on the Formula 1 calendar until at least 2025 following the signing of a three-year contract extension with the Government of Mexico City and race organisers. The race, which re-joined the calendar after a 23-year absence in 2015, has been a popular addition to the schedule. The event has drawn in a weekend crowd of over 300,000 in each season since its return.
The news comes just days ahead of the 2022 Mexico City Grand Prix, which was the last race of the venue’s previous contract. Mexico last re-signed with Formula 1 in 2019, following a period of doubt over the event’s future.
A change of government jeopardised funding for the race, but Mexico City mayor Claudia Sheinbaum subsequently set up a new funding regime to cover the costs. The race was able to secure its place on the calendar for a further three seasons and was re-named the ‘Mexico City Grand Prix’ in 2021.
Despite missing the 2020 event due to the coronavirus pandemic – during which Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez served as a temporary hospital – the 2021 race was the best-attended since Mexico City returned to the calendar.
Home support for Sergio Perez
Speaking about the new deal, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali noted the passion of the large crowd, who create a unique trackside experience each season:
“I am very pleased to announce that Formula 1 will continue to race in Mexico City for another three years under this new agreement. Every year the race attracts a large number of passionate fans, and the atmosphere is incredible, and I know everyone will be excited by this news. I want to thank Claudia Sheinbaum, the Head of Government for Mexico City, and Alejandro Soberón and his team for their ongoing commitment to Formula 1 and the continued success of the event.”
Sergio Perez’s presence on the grid doubtlessly helps keep the attendance figures high. The home hero has his best chance yet of winning his home event in 2022 and is currently embroiled in a battle for second place in the Drivers’ Championship with Charles Leclerc.
Over 350,000 fans are expected to descend on the circuit this weekend. Last year’s 3-day attendance figure was a record-breaking 371,000.
Another new deal for Formula 1
Mexico City is the eighth destination to have signed a contract to host more Formula 1 races this year. Along with the new Las Vegas Grand Prix – which was confirmed in March – seven circuits have recently extended their contracts with Formula 1.
Among those with new contracts are Bahrain, Australia and Singapore, which have each signed long-term deals. The longest deal struck was with Bahrain, where F1 will continue to race until at least 2036. Albert Park will remain on the calendar until 2035, while night racing in Singapore will continue until at least 2028 – though the Marina Bay Street Circuit will be revised in 2023 due to construction work.
Mexico City joins the likes of Belgium, Monaco and Imola in signing a shorter-term deal. If interest in the Mexican event stays as high as it is at present – and the government is able to continue to secure funding – there’s little reason to believe this will be the last contract extension signed with Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
