Formula 1 To Stay In Mexico City Through 2028

Formula 1 is staying in Mexico City through 2028, and the city is not treating it like a short-term fling. Last year’s finale pulled in more than 150,000 fans at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, so the buzz is already baked into the streets.

But keeping the Grand Prix on the calendar gets complicated fast. Mayor Brugada says the event will be privately funded and backed by the business sector, with no cost to taxpayers, while officials tease even longer plans beyond 2028. Add in the local hero factor, with Sergio “Checo” Pérez drawing attention that can boost turnout, and you have a whole balancing act before October 24-26.

And this year, the track finally gets a new headline act too, the F1 Garage in partnership with Gordon Ramsay.

A Crowd Favorite With Global Appeal

Gran Premio de la Ciudad de México F1/Cuartoscuro

Over 150,000 fans packed Mexico City’s Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez for last year’s final.

Formula One/X

The crowd energy at last year’s 150,000-plus finale is exactly why Mexico City is pushing to keep the race going past 2028.

Privately Funded and Here to Stay

Mayor Brugada emphasized that the Grand Prix will continue to be funded through private and business sector support, with no cost to taxpayers.

“At the beginning of next year, we will be giving you better news about the continuation of this wonderful event for many years in Mexico City,” she told Marca, hinting at further long-term plans for the event beyond 2028.

Mayor Brugada’s “no cost to taxpayers” promise is the part that makes the funding story feel like a high-stakes pit stop.

As Formula 1 continues to grow in popularity, the role of local drivers like Sergio "Checo" Pérez becomes crucial. Having a local hero can enhance fan engagement and increase attendance at races. This phenomenon is widely documented in sports psychology literature.

He recommends leveraging Pérez’s popularity through community engagement initiatives, such as meet-and-greet events or fan clubs. These strategies can foster a deeper connection between the driver and fans, enhancing the overall experience of the Grand Prix.

It echoes the AI firm that walked away from a Pentagon contract over military use worries.

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz of Spain (right) won the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix

Red Bull Content Pool

With Checo Pérez as the hometown magnet, the city can’t just sell tickets, it has to sell a connection people actually feel.

The Economic Impact of F1

A Historic Track With Modern Appeal

The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez first hosted Formula 1 in 1963, but the race was removed from the calendar in 1970 due to safety concerns related to uncontrolled crowds. It returned from 1986 to 1992 before again being dropped, this time due to the circuit's inability to modernize and growing environmental concerns.

After a 23-year absence, Formula 1 made its return in 2015 following major upgrades to the track. Nico Rosberg won that year's race for Mercedes, reigniting Mexican enthusiasm for the sport. Last year, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz claimed victory in the 305-kilometer event.

This year’s race will take place October 24–26 and, for the first time, will feature the F1 Garage — a premium hospitality and culinary experience curated in partnership with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.

And since the Autódromo has spent decades bouncing in and out of the calendar, the new October 24-26 F1 Garage launch has to land perfectly.

“Checo” Pérez’s Future Still Uncertain

While excitement grows around the future of the Mexican Grand Prix, speculation continues about Mexico’s top driver, Sergio “Checo” Pérez. The veteran racer, who has six Formula 1 wins and 281 starts, left Red Bull Racing in December after two inconsistent seasons alongside teammate and reigning champion Max Verstappen.

Pérez is reportedly in talks with Cadillac, which plans to debut as an F1 constructor in 2026. His extensive experience is seen as a valuable asset for the fledgling team, which is expected to become the sport’s 11th entry.

Though nothing is confirmed, Cadillac officials are in Florida this weekend ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, where the team is expected to make its first official announcement. Whether Pérez will be part of it remains to be seen.

With Mexico City’s spot on the F1 calendar now secured, the focus shifts to the track — and whether “Checo” will be on the grid in a new uniform when Cadillac joins the race.

The decision to extend Formula 1's presence in Mexico City until 2028 marks a significant milestone for the sport and the region alike. The Mexican Grand Prix has evolved beyond a mere racing event into a vital economic driver, showcasing its ability to stimulate local growth and boost tourism. The involvement of local heroes such as Checo Pérez plays a crucial role in fostering a deeper connection with fans, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the event. As these relationships strengthen, there lies an exciting opportunity for sustainable benefits within the community, suggesting a bright future for both the Grand Prix and Mexico City's status on the international racing stage.

If Mexico City keeps the money flowing and Checo keeps the stands roaring, 2028 will feel like the warm-up lap.

Want more controversy from AI content, Brady Tkachuk’s White House video backlash gets real.