Mexico City Grand Prix: track and statistics

In 2015, the Mexican stage returned to the World Championship calendar for the third time after a 23-year break. The return was triumphant – with packed stands and an incredible atmosphere, which has remained unchanged since. The large-scale reconstruction of the Rodriguez Brothers Circuit, which hosted the first official Grand Prix in 1963, has retained much of the configuration of the historic circuit, which now meets the latest standards.

Negotiations for the return of the Mexican stage began in 2012, when Bernie Ecclestone and Carlos Slim Jr., the son of the famous telecommunications magnate, agreed on the terms of a five-year contract. Slim acted as a financial guarantor for the project, which received government support. A reconstruction program was presented in January 2013 and the grandiose modern sports complex was officially opened on October 4, 2015.

Four years later, the stage’s promoters received an award from the FIA ​​for “Best Grand Prix”, during which time the stage was attended by over 1.3 million spectators.

The five-year contract signed with Ecclestone expired in the 2019 season; for a long time it was not possible to find money to extend it, but eventually the stage was supported by the city council and is called the Grand Prix of Mexico City.

Christian Epp, employee of the architectural firm of Hermann Tilke: “During the reconstruction of the circuit in Mexico, difficulties arose that were typical of old circuits. Many corners did not have sufficient safety zones, requiring some sections to be reconfigured. The Peraltada corner was too dangerous for modern Formula 1, we left it in the second part and reduced the speed in the first.

The progress made at other circuits over the past twenty years has not affected the Mexican circuit. The departure areas were substandard, the drainage system was inadequate, the curbs and barriers were outdated, the medical center was in an inconvenient location, but we solved all these problems.”

Characteristics of the trajectory

The circuit is located at a high altitude – 2285 meters above sea level, which will affect the operation of power plants, cooling systems, aerodynamics and the well-being of the racers. Despite the high altitude, the height difference on the Rodriguez Brothers Circuit is minimal: only 2.8 meters.

With a lap length of 4303 meters, the Mexican circuit is the shortest on the calendar after Monaco and Zandvoort.

The 811 meter stretch from pole to the braking point in the first corner – 9.6 seconds with the accelerator fully depressed – is the longest of the season, but despite the long length of the straight, the Mexico City circuit is among the third place. the end in terms of number of overtakes.

The atmospheric pressure here is 20% lower than normal, the aerodynamics are adapted to the maximum level of downforce, but in the air it puts even less pressure on the car than in Monza. In the various corners of the circuit there is not enough downforce and the cars sometimes lose their stability, which adds to the intrigue.

Overtaking is not easy, the load on the brakes is high. On a long straight stretch, cars can reach speeds of more than 360 km/h using DRS.

An incredibly atmospheric part of the track is located in the Stadium, where several corners are surrounded by stands full of spectators. It is almost impossible to fight for position there, but the fans support the riders emotionally and the awards ceremony takes place there.

The series of chicanes that replaced the original fast first corner are named after Moises Solana, a Mexican driver who started eight Grands Prix (in Mexico and the US) from 1963 to 1968 and died during a hill climb competition in 1969.

The last corner of the reconstructed circuit is named after Nigel Mansell, winner of the last Mexican Grand Prix on the historic version of the circuit.

In 2016, Turn 12 was named after local driver Adrian Fernandez, who, together with Emerson Fittipaldi, is also the circuit’s official ambassador.

Nigel Mansel: “It has always been difficult to find the right balance on the Mexican circuit. For all corners this is simply impossible – the circuit is high above sea level, the downforce of the car’s aerodynamics is 20% less there – we had to make a choice. The old track was an excellent test of skill and nervous system, and the heat and thin air made the task even more difficult.

I especially remember overtaking Gerhard Berger in Peraltada – I upset him then and two years later I achieved a phenomenal victory there. I loved the enthusiastic atmosphere and the passionate and energetic crowd. A unique place, different from everything else. I have very fond memories of racing in Mexico, the fans, the energy and the track – it was a highlight of the calendar.”

Weekend schedule

You can follow the progress of all Formula 1 sessions on our live broadcast page.

Tire kits issued to teams for the weekend

This time Pirelli brings three ‘soft’ compounds – C3, C4 and C5, labeled Hard, Medium and Soft.

One set of the softest tires must be saved for the final qualifying – then those who raced in the final must return this set to Pirelli.

One set of medium and hard tires must be kept for the race. Unless declared wet, drivers are required to use at least one of these sets.

On Friday, the teams will test the new C4 compound for the 2024 season. Each driver will receive two sets of these tires.

Mario Isolahead of Pirelli’s motorsport division: “The circuit configuration and the high altitude always offer interesting challenges, teams use different strategic options and the race is often unpredictable.”

Performance of current riders in Mexico

Sergio Perez: “My country has supported me since the beginning of my career, I really enjoy performing in front of my fans.

It’s great that this time I have a team and a car with which I can win my home race. This weekend we have the chance to get a big result. I will do my best, prepare as best as I can and we will see what happens in the end.”