Layout: Actual
When was the track built?
Named after Mexico’s two most important racing drivers, although it was their father, an advisor of the Mexican president, who suggested in 1958 the 5km layout connecting some roads in the area to create a motorsport racetrack.
It was completed the following year and it has hosted all main categories, from Formula One to Indycar, NASCAR and top class sportscars.
Formula One left twice, in 1970 and in 1992 (after the comeback in 1986), due to safety concerns, but the track has been slightly adjusted by Tilke in 2015 and it’s now a constant presence in the calendar.
When was its first Grand Prix?
The first titled race was in 1963, one year after the first non-championship GP here; it was dominated by Jim Clark’s Lotus, who lapped almost everybody after taking pole with 1.7 second on Jack Brabham, who also finished second.
Richie Ginther’s BRM completed the podium.
It is one of the six Mexican racetracks that will rotate in the Formula One North American Series, where Mexico has three spots.
What’s the circuit like?
The new track still largely follows the outline of the original 1959 circuit, although the iconic final corner Peralta has been now replaced by the emotional Foro Sol section.
The 1km long main straight and the following one in the first sector are still the best overtaking spot, as the middle and final bits are twistier, even if it’s not impossible to dive in into turn 13 in the middle of the former baseball stadium.
The fact that it’s over 2,000m above sea level presents even more challenges to engines.
Where is it located?
At Ciudad Deportiva Magdalena Mixiuhca, in the southeast are of Mexico City, with the airport around 20 minutes away. (+ 19°24’12”, – 99°05’14”)
All Along The Racetrack 