Mexico City GP: A guide to the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez

Formula 1 returns to Mexico City this weekend, with Kimi Antonelli within reach of the Drivers’ Championship. The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez presents a distinctive test: a 17-turn, 4.304-kilometre circuit where thin air affects grip, cooling and the way cars perform.

Mexico City’s circuit combines long straights and technical corners

The Grand Prix runs for 71 laps, covering 305.354 kilometres. The lap record is 1m 17.774s, set by Valtteri Bottas in 2021.

Mexico has hosted Formula 1 across three periods: 1963–1970, 1986–1992 and 2015 onwards, excluding 2020. The circuit began as the Magdalena Mixiuhca track, built in 1959 after the father of racing brothers Ricardo and Pedro Rodríguez encouraged its construction.

It staged a non-championship event in 1962, before Jim Clark won the first championship Grand Prix there the following year. The venue was later named for the brothers, then left the calendar over safety concerns before returning after significant changes in 2015.

The circuit’s altitude—more than 2,200 metres—means the thinner air shapes the challenge for both cars and drivers. Long straights lead into technical chicanes, while the route also passes through the Foro Sol stadium and the remains of the Peraltada corner.

Former Renault driver Jolyon Palmer has described a car that feels low on grip and difficult to settle, particularly through the middle sector. Kerbs require careful judgement, while the slow stadium section brings its own challenge. Palmer also highlighted the close wall at the penultimate right-hander as a particular risk in the low-grip conditions.

Straight Mode and overtaking locations to know

Three sections are designated for Straight Mode in dry conditions: the main straight, the stretch between Turns 3 and 4, and the run between Turns 11 and 12. The system changes the front and rear wings to reduce drag on straights and restore downforce for corners.

Overtake Mode has one detection point per lap, at Turn 14, with its activation line at the entry to Turn 17. Drivers can use it on the following lap if they are within a second of the car ahead at detection.

The venue is Formula 1’s highest circuit. Oscar Piastri reached 363kph there in 2025, while Max Verstappen has claimed a record five Mexico City wins. Home favourite Sergio Perez is set for his 300th Grand Prix start at the event. John Surtees, Graham Hill and Lewis Hamilton are among the drivers to have secured a world title at the circuit.

For more on the weekend, see our Mexico City Grand Prix schedule and TV guide and weather forecast.