Mexico City Grand Prix: Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez Guide, History and Records

The Mexico City Grand Prix returns to the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez from Friday 30 October to Sunday 1 November 2026. Staged more than 2,200 metres above sea level, the race presents Formula 1 teams with aerodynamic, cooling and power-unit demands unlike those encountered anywhere else on the calendar.

The 4.304-kilometre circuit combines one of Formula 1’s longest approaches to the first corner with a technical middle sector and the famous stadium section. Thousands of spectators surround the cars as they pass through the former Foro Sol baseball stadium before accelerating onto the main straight.

Mexico City is scheduled as Round 19 of the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship. The weekend follows the standard Grand Prix format, with three practice sessions, qualifying on Saturday and a 71-lap race on Sunday afternoon.

Ferrari has won three World Championship Grands Prix in Mexico. The Scuderia’s most recent victory came in 2024, while Charles Leclerc finished second in 2025 after qualifying on the front row. Lewis Hamilton qualified third but finished eighth following a time penalty.

Follow the latest Ferrari news, technical analysis and results from the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix.

2026 Mexico City Grand Prix at a glance

2026 Mexico City Grand Prix schedule

The 2026 event uses the conventional Formula 1 format. Drivers will have two practice sessions on Friday and a final practice hour on Saturday before qualifying determines the grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix.

All sessions are shown in local Mexico City time and remain subject to timetable changes by Formula 1, the FIA or the event organiser.

You can also consult the complete 2026 Formula 1 schedule and race results, the latest Formula 1 driver standings and the current constructor standings.

Why Mexico City’s altitude changes everything

The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is situated approximately 2,240 metres above sea level, making it the highest circuit on the Formula 1 calendar. Atmospheric pressure and air density are considerably lower than at venues situated close to sea level.

Thin air passes less effectively over the wings and floor, reducing the amount of aerodynamic load generated by the car. Teams therefore use large wing configurations that may resemble those selected for high-downforce circuits, but the actual downforce produced is substantially lower.

The same reduction in air density also lowers aerodynamic resistance. Formula 1 cars can achieve extremely high speeds along the main straight even when running large front and rear wings.

Cooling becomes more difficult because less air passes through the radiators, brake ducts and internal components. Teams frequently open additional cooling outlets and use circuit-specific bodywork to protect the power unit, transmission, brakes and electrical systems.

The turbocharger must also compensate for the thinner atmosphere. The compressor has to work harder to supply the required amount of air, increasing the importance of reliability, temperature management and efficient energy deployment.

The drivers feel the altitude as well. The reduced oxygen level, combined with cockpit temperatures and the physical effort of a Grand Prix, can make recovery and concentration more difficult over the 71-lap race.

What happened at the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix?

Lando Norris won the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix for McLaren after starting from pole position. Norris controlled the race and finished more than 30 seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc, who secured second place for Ferrari.

Max Verstappen closed rapidly during the final laps but finished 0.725 seconds behind Leclerc in third. Oliver Bearman delivered a notable fourth-place result for Haas, followed by Oscar Piastri and Kimi Antonelli.

Ferrari had started the race with both cars inside the top three. Norris took pole with a 1:15.586, while Leclerc qualified second and Lewis Hamilton recorded his first top-three Grand Prix qualifying result as a Ferrari driver in third.

Hamilton initially fought Verstappen for third place. After leaving the circuit during their battle and rejoining ahead, the Ferrari driver received a 10-second penalty for gaining a lasting advantage. He eventually finished eighth.

2025 Mexico City Grand Prix qualifying

2025 Mexico City Grand Prix result

Recent Mexico City Grand Prix winners

The Mexico City Grand Prix was not held in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit information

What makes the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez unique?

The Mexico City circuit combines elements of a traditional permanent track with an atmosphere more commonly associated with a city-centre event. It is built within the Magdalena Mixhuca sports complex, east of central Mexico City, and is surrounded by densely populated urban districts.

The current layout follows much of the original circuit but no longer uses the complete high-speed Peraltada corner. The modern track turns through the stadium before joining the remaining section of the famous final bend.

The main straight is among the longest in Formula 1. Drivers accelerate towards Turn 1 with very little aerodynamic resistance because of the altitude, creating one of the highest-speed braking events of the season.

The middle sector changes the character of the lap. A technical sequence of medium and high-speed corners tests aerodynamic stability, while the car produces less grip than its wing level would normally suggest.

The stadium section provides the event’s defining image. Cars enter an enclosed arena surrounded by grandstands before negotiating several slow corners and passing beneath the podium structure.

A lap of the Mexico City Formula 1 circuit

Main straight and the long run to Turn 1

The lap begins on an exceptionally long main straight. During the race start, drivers travel almost 900 metres before reaching the first braking zone, giving cars from the second and third rows a significant slipstream opportunity.

Cars arrive at Turn 1 at very high speed before braking for a tight right-hander. The circuit then changes direction through the left-hand Turn 2 and right-hand Turn 3.

The opening complex frequently produces close racing. Drivers may approach several cars wide, but the sequence narrows quickly and rewards competitors who position their cars correctly for all three corners rather than focusing only on Turn 1.

Turns 4 to 6

A shorter straight leads into the braking zone for Turn 4. This section combines slow corners with rapid changes of direction and places greater emphasis on mechanical grip.

Drivers need to control front-wheel locking while keeping the car correctly positioned for the following turns. The slowest part of the sequence requires good rotation and rear-tyre traction.

A mistake at the beginning of the section can compromise several corners because there is little time to recover the ideal line.

The high-speed esses

The middle part of the lap contains a fast sequence of left and right corners. Drivers need confidence in the front end and a stable rear axle as they make repeated direction changes.

Although the cars use large wings, Mexico City’s thin air reduces the actual downforce available. The car may therefore feel light and difficult to place through the esses, particularly when following another driver.

Kerb use must be controlled carefully. An aggressive approach may shorten the line, but it can also unsettle the car and increase the risk of losing control during the next change of direction.

Approach to the stadium

After leaving the faster middle sector, drivers brake for the right-hand corner that leads into the stadium complex. The enclosed surroundings create a dramatic change in visual reference and atmosphere.

The corners inside the stadium are taken at relatively low speed. Mechanical grip, steering response and traction become more important than aerodynamic performance.

Drivers can hear the crowd clearly as they negotiate the sequence, particularly during qualifying and on the final laps of the Grand Prix.

Foro Sol stadium section

The stadium section replaced part of the original Peraltada when the circuit was rebuilt for Formula 1’s return in 2015. It runs through a former baseball venue that has become one of the most recognisable grandstand areas in motorsport.

The narrow entry and slow corners make overtaking difficult, but a driver who makes an error can come under pressure before the final turn.

The podium ceremony is held above the circuit inside the stadium, allowing tens of thousands of spectators to watch the celebrations directly from their seats.

Final corner and main straight

The final section rejoins the remaining portion of the old Peraltada. Turn 17 is named after Nigel Mansell, whose outside pass on Gerhard Berger through the original corner became one of the most celebrated moves in Mexican Grand Prix history.

The modern final turn is still important because the exit determines speed along the entire main straight. A driver suffering from poor traction may be vulnerable to the slipstream before Turn 1.

Mexico City setup and technical demands

The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez requires a circuit-specific approach because conventional aerodynamic assumptions do not apply at such high altitude.

Teams normally install some of their largest available front and rear wings. Despite the aggressive wing angles, the lower air density means the car generates less downforce and drag than it would with the same configuration at sea level.

A stable aerodynamic platform is particularly important through the middle-sector direction changes. Drivers need enough front-end response to place the car accurately without creating an unpredictable rear axle.

Cooling is one of the weekend’s central engineering concerns. Enlarged openings and additional bodywork outlets help manage power-unit and brake temperatures, but every cooling change can reduce aerodynamic efficiency.

The brake system faces a difficult combination of heavy stopping events and reduced cooling capacity. Turn 1 places substantial energy through the brakes, while repeated slower corners limit the amount of high-speed airflow available between braking zones.

Traction is important through the slower corners and stadium section. Because the car produces less aerodynamic grip, drivers may encounter wheelspin even when using relatively large wings.

Teams must also consider ride height and suspension behaviour. The circuit includes kerbs and surface changes that can disturb the car, particularly when drivers attack the technical middle sector.

Explore our Ferrari technical analysis archive for updates on the SF-26 cooling package, wing configuration, power-unit management, tyres and suspension setup during the Mexico City weekend.

Tyres and strategy at the Mexico City Grand Prix

The relatively smooth circuit surface does not always create extreme mechanical tyre wear, but the reduced aerodynamic grip can lead to sliding and increased surface temperatures.

Drivers who struggle with front-end grip may create understeer through the middle sector. Rear-wheel slip from the slower corners can similarly overheat the rear tyres and reduce acceleration.

Tyre warm-up can also be difficult because the thinner atmosphere reduces the energy generated through aerodynamic loading. Teams must find an operating window that provides immediate grip without creating excessive temperatures during longer stints.

The long run from the starting grid to Turn 1 makes tyre temperature particularly important at the beginning of the race and following Safety Car restarts. Drivers need enough grip to brake confidently while defending or attempting an overtake.

Track position has substantial value, but passing is possible on the main straight. This gives strategists greater freedom to consider an undercut, overcut or alternative tyre compound than at circuits where overtaking is extremely limited.

A Safety Car or Virtual Safety Car can change the optimal strategy by reducing the cost of a pit stop. Teams must also account for the possibility of incidents at the opening complex or within the technical middle sector.

History of Formula 1 in Mexico

The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez was constructed in 1959 inside Mexico City’s Magdalena Mixhuca sports complex. The project used existing internal roads and was originally known as the Magdalena Mixhuca Circuit.

Formula 1 cars first competed at the venue during a non-championship event in 1962. The circuit joined the Formula 1 World Championship the following year, when Jim Clark won the inaugural championship Mexican Grand Prix for Lotus.

The first Mexican Grand Prix era

Mexico became a regular late-season destination during the 1960s and frequently played an important role in deciding the World Championship.

John Surtees secured the 1964 Drivers’ Championship for Ferrari by finishing second in Mexico. He remains the only competitor to have won premier-class world championships on both motorcycles and in Formula 1.

Graham Hill won the 1968 Mexican Grand Prix and secured his second Formula 1 World Championship. Two years later, Jacky Ickx led a Ferrari one-two ahead of Clay Regazzoni in the final race of the 1970 season.

The event disappeared from the calendar after 1970 and remained absent for more than a decade.

Formula 1 returns in 1986

The Mexican Grand Prix returned in 1986 after the circuit had been revised. Gerhard Berger won for Benetton, delivering the team’s first Formula 1 victory.

The second period produced several memorable races involving the leading drivers of the era, including Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Nelson Piquet.

Alain Prost won for Ferrari in 1990 after starting 13th. Nigel Mansell completed a Ferrari one-two by passing Gerhard Berger around the outside of the high-speed Peraltada during the closing laps.

The 1992 Mexican Grand Prix was the final edition before another long absence. Nigel Mansell won ahead of Williams teammate Riccardo Patrese, while Michael Schumacher earned the first podium of his Formula 1 career.

The modern Grand Prix returns in 2015

Formula 1 returned to Mexico City in 2015 following a major reconstruction project. The revised circuit retained much of the historic route but introduced the stadium section in place of the complete Peraltada.

Nico Rosberg won the return race for Mercedes. The event immediately became known for its large crowds, colourful atmosphere and podium celebration inside the stadium.

The official event name changed from the Mexican Grand Prix to the Mexico City Grand Prix in 2021, although it continued to take place at the same circuit.

Why is the circuit named after Pedro and Ricardo Rodríguez?

The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is named in honour of Mexican racing brothers Pedro and Ricardo Rodríguez, two of the country’s most important motorsport figures.

Ricardo Rodríguez became a Ferrari Formula 1 driver while still a teenager. At 19, he was the youngest driver to race for the Scuderia at that time, a record that stood for more than six decades.

Ricardo was killed during practice for the non-championship Mexican Grand Prix in 1962. His older brother Pedro continued racing internationally and became the first Mexican driver to win a Formula 1 World Championship Grand Prix.

Pedro Rodríguez won the 1967 South African Grand Prix and the 1970 Belgian Grand Prix. He also achieved major success in endurance racing before losing his life in a sports-car accident in 1971.

The Mexico City circuit was renamed to honour both brothers, ensuring that their contribution to Mexican motorsport remains closely connected to the country’s Formula 1 event.

Memorable Mexican and Mexico City Grand Prix moments

John Surtees wins the 1964 championship

John Surtees entered the 1964 season finale fighting Graham Hill and Jim Clark for the World Championship. Surtees finished second and secured the title for Ferrari by a single point.

His achievement remains unique because he had previously won multiple motorcycle world championships before moving to four-wheel competition.

Jacky Ickx leads Ferrari’s 1970 one-two

Jacky Ickx won the final race of the original Mexican Grand Prix era in 1970. Clay Regazzoni finished second, giving Ferrari a dominant one-two result.

Ickx had remained in championship contention until the closing stages of the season, although Jochen Rindt was awarded the title posthumously.

Alain Prost charges from 13th in 1990

Alain Prost started the 1990 Mexican Grand Prix from 13th after Ferrari focused on a race-oriented setup. The French driver gradually moved through the field as tyre problems affected several rivals.

Prost passed Ayrton Senna for the lead before the McLaren driver suffered a puncture. Nigel Mansell then completed Ferrari’s one-two with his famous pass on Gerhard Berger.

Nigel Mansell attacks around the Peraltada

Mansell’s move around the outside of Berger at the original Peraltada remains one of Formula 1’s most celebrated overtakes.

The corner was extremely fast and heavily banked, leaving little margin for error. Mansell maintained his line around the outside and secured second place behind Prost.

Michael Schumacher earns his first podium in 1992

Michael Schumacher finished third for Benetton in the 1992 Mexican Grand Prix. It was the first podium of a Formula 1 career that would eventually produce seven World Championships and 91 race victories.

Mexico celebrates Formula 1’s return in 2015

The 2015 event ended a 23-year absence from the Formula 1 calendar. Huge crowds filled the circuit, with the stadium podium ceremony becoming an immediate symbol of the revived race.

Nico Rosberg converted pole position into victory ahead of Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.

Lewis Hamilton secures the 2017 and 2018 titles

Lewis Hamilton clinched consecutive World Championships at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in 2017 and 2018.

Max Verstappen won both races, but Hamilton collected enough points to secure his fourth title in 2017 and fifth in 2018.

Sergio Perez reaches the home podium

Sergio Perez became the first Mexican driver to finish on the podium at his home Grand Prix when he placed third in 2021.

The stadium crowd celebrated as Perez completed the podium behind Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. He finished third again in 2022.

Carlos Sainz wins for Ferrari in 2024

Carlos Sainz secured pole position and victory for Ferrari at the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix. He passed Max Verstappen for the lead and controlled the remainder of the race.

Charles Leclerc finished third after setting the fastest lap, giving Ferrari two drivers on the podium and its first Mexican victory since 1990.

Charles Leclerc finishes second in 2025

Charles Leclerc started from the front row and finished second behind Lando Norris in 2025. He managed his tyres during a long final stint and resisted pressure from Max Verstappen during the closing laps.

Lewis Hamilton had qualified immediately behind his teammate but lost his opportunity to challenge for a podium after receiving a 10-second penalty.

Ferrari’s history at the Mexico City Grand Prix

Ferrari has won three Formula 1 World Championship Grands Prix in Mexico and has achieved five pole positions, six fastest laps and 15 podium finishes at the event.

John Surtees delivers Ferrari’s 1964 title

Ferrari did not win the 1964 Mexican Grand Prix, but the race remains one of the most significant in the team’s history. John Surtees finished second and became Formula 1 World Champion.

The result made Surtees the only driver to win world championships at the highest level of both motorcycle and car racing.

Jacky Ickx wins in 1970

Jacky Ickx delivered Ferrari’s first Mexican Grand Prix victory in 1970. Clay Regazzoni completed the one-two, underlining the strength of the Ferrari 312 B.

Alain Prost and Nigel Mansell dominate in 1990

Alain Prost’s recovery from 13th to victory remains one of Ferrari’s greatest comeback drives. Nigel Mansell finished second after his decisive move on Gerhard Berger.

The one-two strengthened Prost’s championship challenge and demonstrated the effectiveness of Ferrari’s race setup at high altitude.

Charles Leclerc leads Ferrari’s 2023 front-row lockout

Charles Leclerc secured pole position for the 2023 Mexico City Grand Prix, with Carlos Sainz qualifying second in the other Ferrari.

Leclerc finished third after contact at the start damaged his front wing, while Sainz placed fourth.

Carlos Sainz returns Ferrari to victory in 2024

Carlos Sainz claimed Ferrari’s first Mexican Grand Prix victory in 34 years when he won from pole position in 2024.

Charles Leclerc added third place and the fastest lap, making the weekend one of Ferrari’s strongest performances of the season.

Ferrari places both cars inside the top three in 2025 qualifying

Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton qualified second and third respectively in 2025. Leclerc converted his grid position into another podium, while Hamilton finished eighth after serving his penalty.

The 2026 race gives both drivers another opportunity to add to Ferrari’s record at a circuit where power-unit cooling, aerodynamic efficiency and driver confidence are particularly important.

Mexico City Grand Prix records and statistics

• Circuit constructed: 1959.
• First Formula 1 event: non-championship race in 1962.
• First World Championship race: 1963.
• First championship winner: Jim Clark for Lotus.
• Return to Formula 1: 2015.
• Highest Formula 1 circuit: approximately 2,240 metres above sea level.
• Current circuit length: 4.304 kilometres.
• Current number of corners: 17.
• Official race lap record: Valtteri Bottas, 1:17.774 in 2021.
• Fastest qualifying lap: Max Verstappen, 1:14.758 in 2019.
• Most driver victories: Max Verstappen, with five.
• Most pole positions: Jim Clark, with four.
• Most successful constructor: Red Bull, with five victories.
• Ferrari victories: three.
• Most recent Ferrari winner: Carlos Sainz in 2024.
• Most recent race winner: Lando Norris in 2025.
• Years not held during the modern era: 2020.

Frequently asked questions about the Mexico City Grand Prix

When is the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix?

The 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix will take place from Friday 30 October to Sunday 1 November. The race is scheduled to start at 14:00 local time on Sunday.

Is the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix a Sprint weekend?

No. The event uses the standard Formula 1 format with three practice sessions, qualifying and Sunday’s Grand Prix.

Where is the Mexico City Grand Prix held?

The race takes place at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in the Magdalena Mixhuca sports complex in Mexico City.

How long is the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez?

The current Formula 1 circuit is 4.304 kilometres long. The race covers 71 laps and a total distance of 305.354 kilometres.

How many corners does the Mexico City circuit have?

The current layout contains 17 corners and runs in a clockwise direction.

How high is the Mexico City Formula 1 circuit?

The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is situated approximately 2,240 metres above sea level, making it the highest circuit on the Formula 1 calendar.

How does Mexico City’s altitude affect Formula 1 cars?

The thin air reduces aerodynamic downforce and drag while making it more difficult to cool the power unit, brakes, transmission and electrical systems. Teams normally use large wings and expanded cooling configurations.

Why are speeds so high in Mexico despite the large wings?

Lower air density means the wings create less aerodynamic resistance. Cars can therefore achieve very high straight-line speeds despite using configurations that would produce considerably more drag at sea level.

Who has won the most Mexico City Grands Prix?

Max Verstappen holds the record with five victories, achieved in 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Which constructor has the most wins in Mexico?

Red Bull is the most successful constructor with five victories, all achieved by Max Verstappen.

How many times has Ferrari won in Mexico?

Ferrari has won three times: Jacky Ickx in 1970, Alain Prost in 1990 and Carlos Sainz in 2024.

Who holds the official Mexico City race lap record?

Valtteri Bottas holds the official race lap record with a 1:17.774 set for Mercedes during the 2021 Grand Prix.

What is the fastest qualifying lap in Mexico City?

Max Verstappen recorded a 1:14.758 during qualifying in 2019. He later received a three-place grid penalty for failing to slow sufficiently for yellow flags, but the lap remains the fastest qualifying time recorded on the current layout.

What is the Foro Sol stadium section?

Foro Sol is the former baseball stadium through which the Formula 1 circuit passes. Its grandstands surround several slow corners and host the podium ceremony after the race.

Why is Turn 17 named after Nigel Mansell?

The final turn honours Nigel Mansell and his famous outside pass on Gerhard Berger through the original Peraltada during the 1990 Mexican Grand Prix.

Why is the circuit named after the Rodríguez brothers?

The venue honours Mexican racing drivers Ricardo and Pedro Rodríguez. Ricardo raced for Ferrari as a teenager, while Pedro became Mexico’s first Formula 1 Grand Prix winner.

Follow Ferrari at the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix

ScuderiaFans will provide complete coverage of Ferrari’s 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix weekend, including practice reports, qualifying analysis, race results, cooling and aerodynamic updates, tyre information, strategy assessments and reactions from Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and the Maranello team.

Visit our dedicated 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix archive for the latest Ferrari news from the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.