Indeed, On the outskirts of Mexico City, in the former Magdalena Mixiuhca sports park, sits the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, home of the Mexico City Grand Prix. In addition, the circuit takes its name from the Rodríguez brothers, Ricardo and Pedro, the most celebrated racing drivers in Mexico’s history.
As a result, ricardo died in a practice crash in 1962, and Formula 1 first raced here in 1963. The event stayed on the calendar from the 1960s to the 1990s, then returned in 2015. COVID-19 cancelled it in 2020, but it came back in 2021 and has been the home of the Mexican Grand Prix since, now under the name Mexico City Grand Prix.
Moreover, the standout feature is the Foro Sol complex, the old baseball stadium that now goes by the name GNP Seguros Stadium. Similarly, the cars pass through the final Turns 16 and 17 in front of packed stands, and the atmosphere is amazing. Race weekend also coincides with the Day of the Dead celebrations (Día de los Muertos), an important Mexican national holiday full of costumes, dancers, marching bands and colourful artwork.
The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez Track
Overall, altitude defines this circuit. It sits about 2,240 metres above sea level, among the highest in Formula 1, and the thin air cuts both aerodynamic downforce and engine and brake cooling. Teams therefore run their highest-downforce wings and still find less grip than at other tracks.
It is also one of the flattest circuits in Formula 1, with only about 3 metres of elevation change across a lap. By comparison, Spa-Francorchamps has about 100 metres per lap.
Next, the long start-finish straight leads to a heavy braking zone at Turn 1, the best place to overtake. Then, the middle sector is slow and technical, and the lap ends in the stadium section, which replaced the old banked Peraltada corner. Because the air is thin, the cars are very fast on the straights thanks to low drag, and the brakes work under high stress.
Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez Fast Facts
| Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez Fast Facts | |
|---|---|
| Detail | Information |
| Grand Prix | Mexico City Grand Prix |
| Circuit | Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez |
| Location | Mexico City, Mexico |
| Lap Length | 4.304 km (2.674 miles) |
| Number Of Laps | 71 |
| Race Distance | 305.354 km (189.738 miles) |
| Number Of Corners | 17 |
| First Grand Prix | 1963 |
Conclusion
Still, the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez owes its character to its high altitude and the stadium section. For the latest race times, session times, results and official notices, see our Formula 1 section, the Formula 1 website and the FIA website.
Questions People Ask
Where Is the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez?
Finally, In Mexico City, Mexico.
How Long Is the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez?
A lap measures 4.304 km (2.674 miles), so 71 laps add up to 305.354 km (189.738 miles).
How Many Laps Does the Mexico City Grand Prix Have?
Therefore, drivers complete 71 laps, covering 305.354 km (189.738 miles).
How Many Corners Does the Circuit Have?
Then, the lap has 17 corners.
When Was the First Race Here?
Therefore, formula 1 first raced here in 1963.
Why Does Altitude Matter in Mexico City?
The thin air cuts aerodynamic grip and engine cooling, so cars behave differently from those at sea-level circuits.
Which Brothers Gave the Circuit Its Name?
The Rodríguez brothers, Ricardo and Pedro, who were both Mexican racing drivers.
