Mexican GP future officially secure after mayor leaks F1 extension

Today at 01:28 PM

Formula 1 has announced an extension of the Mexico City Grand Prix, with a new three-year contract.  The race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez will remain on the calendar until at least the end of 2028, with its previous deal set to expire at the end of the current season.  Mexico rejoined the F1 calendar in 2015, and between that year and the 2019 race, it was known as the Mexican Grand Prix, before becoming the Mexico City Grand Prix in 2021 after skipping '20 due to COVID. The race has seen world championships decided for Lewis Hamilton in 2017 and 2018, and was the scene of a controversial flashpoint between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris in 2024, which ended with Verstappen receiving 20s worth of penalties. There had been speculation that the absence of a Mexican driver on the grid could impact ticket sales after Sergio Perez's Red Bull axing, but organisers are confident this will not be the case. News of the extension was inadvertently leaked by Mexico City mayor Clara Brugada last week.  Article continues below.  Speaking about the renewal, F1 chief Stefano Domenicali praised Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum for her commitments to F1.  "We are very excited to announce that the Mexico City Grand Prix will continue to be part of our calendar through the 2028 season," he said. "Formula 1 is energy, passion and emotion, and every year the unique atmosphere created by our fans in Mexico City is one of the most incredible and energetic experiences of our championship. "I want to express my sincere thanks to President Claudia Sheinbaum for her strong commitment to Formula 1, to the Head of Government Clara Brugada for her continued support, and to Alejandro Soberón Kuri, whose leadership has been fundamental to the success of this event. "I also want to thank the local stakeholders and businesses that share our vision and who make this event so special. We look forward to continuing this extraordinary collaboration together and seeing the incredible enthusiasm of the Mexican fans again in October." Organiser Alejandro Soberón Kuri also praised the benefits the race brings to Mexico as a whole. "This not only contributes to the economic development of Mexico City, but also promotes our city, as well as our country, in a significant way worldwide," he said. "Together, we will continue to work hard to ensure that fans get the most out of an event that offers a unique live entertainment experience, and which for almost 10 years has shown the world the quality of the events we organise in this city."