Mexico City is the next destination for the F1 paddock to race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez as an upcoming triple-header progression. The Mexico GP will be held in Mexico City, where a circuit is situated at high altitudes and the track is waiting for engines to roar and fans to hear the echos of racing legends circling through 1962. In this article, you will find everything you need to know about the Mexican Grand Prix Circuit, Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
History Of Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez: Mexico Grand Prix
Magdalena Mixhuca Racing Circuit (pic credit: F1Oversteer)
The story of this iconic track is as special as the track itself. This Formula 1 racing circuit gets its name after the racing drivers who were brothers in real life: Ricardo Rodriguez (1942–1962) and Pedro Rodriguez (1940–1971). The circuit got its name after Ricardo Rodriguez faced a sudden death in a free practice race for the 1962 Mexican Grand Prix and nine years later his brother Pedro during a race. But it was not the first time that Mexico had hosted its first-ever Grand Prix racing. The first Mexican GP was held on November 4, 1962, at the Magdalena Mixhuca Racing Circuit.
It was the first international track in Mexico to host an international racing event, but it never hosted Formula 1 races until 1986. The track was renamed to Mexican two famous star drivers, the Rodriguez Brothers, and the track entered the F1 calendar in 1986. In 1992, the Mexico Grand Prix was now called the Mexico City Grand Prix, as the track was situated at the center of the main city. However, due to irregular security expectations and an unconditional environment, progression has made the track unsuitable for racing, and F1 decided to leave the track again from 1994 to 2013.
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez F1 Track (pic credit: F1destinations)
On August 14, 2014, the FIA again decided to revisit the Rodriguez racing track and conduct a study about the condition and statistics of the circuit. The organization also intervened in the redevelopment of the track according to the latest safety measures. Later on, it was concluded that the track would be part of the FIA official F1 calendar from 2015, replaced by the European Grand Prix. The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is the home to various motorsport races such as Formula 1, Formula E, NASCAR, GT Championship, and World Endurance Racing.
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez Stats
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez layout (pic credit: Autosport)
The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is one of the few circuits situated at high altitudes, which makes it more challenging for the drivers to race at fast speed because of downforce exertion. Because of high altitudes, the track has a low downforce, which may make an F1 car low on grip and cause difficulties while overtaking the edge of the circuit. The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is an interesting track that rests 2 KM above sea level.
The first half of the track is a bit tricky and always forces the driver to devastate their driving persona due to low downforce. Turn 10 and Turn 11 feel relatively slow due to sweep cornering through the blankets and making it difficult to surpass other cars due to low grip. Turn 1 to Turn 3 is named after Moises Solana, the Mexican third F1 driver, and now this Turn 1-3 is called the Ese Moises Solana. Turn 6 is named after a Mexican fourth driver, Hector Rabeque, for his achievement in both karting and F1.
Circuit Name | Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez |
Circuit Length | 4.304 KM |
Race Distance | 305.356 KM |
No. Of Laps | 71 |
Turns | 17 |
First Grand Prix | 1963 |
Last Grand Prix | 2023 |
DRS Zones | 2 |
The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez has two different track layouts for different racing leagues. The normal circuit restoration is used for the Formula Racing series, but the oval configuration is used for the NASCAR Mexico T4 series. It is also the home paddock for the FIA Formula E Championship and races under the Mexico City ePrix. The track is 4.304 KM along with 17 corners with 2 DRS detection zones.
Mexican Grand Prix Records
The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is one of the most challenging tracks in the F1 calendar. The track has been revamped many times to improve the safety standards and infrastructure. Many drivers have won races on this track, but still, this track has more improved upgrades Let us take a look at some honorable mentions that have made records at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez Racing circuit.
Most Grand Prix Wins: Max Verstappen won the Mexican Grand Prix 4 times more than any other driver. ( 2017-18, 2021, 2023)
Most Pole Positions: Jim Clark tops the list with a maximum of 4 pole positions. (1963-65, 1967)
Fastest Lap Record: Valtteri Bottas (1:17.774, 2021)
Most podium finishes: Max Verstappen (5) is the most successful driver in the Mexico GP.
Team With Most Grand Prix Wins: Red Bull Racing stands at the top with 5 wins (2017-18, 2021-2023)
Mexico City Grand Prix Will Be On F1 Calendar Until 2025
Yes, you heard it right. The Mexico City Grand Prix renewed its contract in the year 2022 and signed a 3-year contract deal to host Formula 1 races until the end of the 2025 season. The new contract was signed between FIA and the Mexico City government to promote racing on a high scale with the racing corporation, Corporacion Interamericana de Entrenimiento (CIE).
What are your favorite moments from the Mexico Grand Prix? Do let us know in the comments below. Follow us more for such updates on Formula 1 and motorsport racing.
