Mexico City Grand Prix 2025 | Roots of Racing: Exploring the First Mexican Grand Prix at Magdalena Mixhuca in 1962

The Mexico City Grand Prix 2025 marks another chapter in a rich racing legacy that began at Magdalena Mixhuca in 1962. From emotional beginnings to record-breaking comebacks, this Grand Prix celebrates over 60 years of passion, speed, and national pride at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

Overview of the Mexico City Grand Prix 2025

First Grand Prix: 1963

Race dates: October 24-26, 2025

Location: Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Mexico City, Mexico

Laps: 71

Circuit Length: 4.304 km (2.674 miles)

Race Distance: 305.354 km (189.738 miles)

Time Zone: UTC -6

Lap Record: 1:17.774 (Valtteri Bottas, 2021)

Schedule: 

October 24: Practice 1 (12:30 – 13:30), Practice 2 (16:00 – 17:00)

October 25: Practice 3 (11:30 – 12:30), Qualifying (15:00 – 16:00)

October 26: Race (14:00)

Historic Debut: The First Grand Prix in Mexico

The story of the Mexico City Grand Prix began in 1962 at Magdalena Mixhuca, when Mexico hosted its first-ever Formula 1 event. Though a non-championship race, it drew international attention and laid the foundation for Mexico’s presence in the sport. 

The event was held in honor of local hero Ricardo Rodríguez, who tragically lost his life during practice. This moment anchored Mexico’s emotional bond with F1 and led to the circuit being renamed Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in tribute to Ricardo and his brother Pedro.

Joining the Championship Calendar

In 1963, the Mexico Grand Prix F1 became an official part of the Formula 1 World Championship. Over the next seven years, the race welcomed motorsport icons like Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, and Graham Hill, as they took on the high-speed corners and demanding layout of the Mexico City Grand Prix track. The notorious Peraltada curve, a sweeping final turn, earned a reputation for its relentless difficulty, emerging as an iconic testament to the courage and skill of drivers.

The 1986 Revival and Hiatus

After a 15-year absence, the race returned in 1986, modernized and more structured, attracting growing international audiences. The return era saw stars like Nigel Mansell and Ayrton Senna dominate the newly revised track. However, by 1992, concerns about infrastructure and safety led to another halt in hosting duties.

Modern Milestone: The 2015 Comeback and Beyond

After more than two decades, the Mexico Grand Prix returned triumphantly in 2015, reintroducing a revamped Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez to a new generation of F1 fans. This comeback race drew record-breaking crowds and media attention. Since then, Mexico has remained a pivotal race in the F1 calendar.

A Proud Legacy, A Thrilling Future

Spanning over 60 years of competition, tragedy, triumph, and national pride, the Mexico City Grand Prix reflects the sport’s evolution. From the 1962 beginnings at Magdalena Mixhuca to today’s high-tech Paddock Club pass experiences, each milestone adds to the race’s character. As Mexico gears up for another memorable chapter in 2025, it stands not only as a race—but as a tribute to racing heritage on Latin American soil.