Every October, the roar and the thrill of Formula 1 enters Mexico City, a city that becomes even more alive (if that’s even possible) when it’s race week. The Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez isn’t just another stop on the calendar, it’s a celebration of speed and culture. Here is what to expect for the 20th round of the 2025 Formula One World Championship.
The circuit sits at over 2,200 m (about 7,300 ft) above sea level. The thin air means that this race pushes both the cars and the drivers into rare territory. Due to the altitude, the aerodynamic downforce is reduced so teams often run higher wing settings to compensate. The thin air creates a window of less downforce, less cooling, and no room for error. Tyre strategy is a key factor here, with the one stop strategy being popular among teams, since degradation tends not to be extreme at this track.
The layout keeps things unpredictable. There’s that ridiculously long main straight where everyone’s flat out, and then the slow, tight corners of the Foro Sol stadium, funneling drivers through a tunnel of grandstands filled with thousands of screaming fans. It’s one of the few places in the world where a Formula 1 car feels almost secondary to the human spectacle surrounding it. It’s chaotic. It’s beautiful. It’s Mexico.
The Title Fight Heats Up
Heading to this race after Austin makes things extremely spicy. Oscar Piastri leads the title fight, with Lando Norris following right behind him. Max Verstappen is stepping on both of their toes after that amazing weekend in the United States, so every single point feels like gold dust for our papaya leaders.
The 2025 season has been pure chaos, from Mclaren drivers dominating to unexpected podiums, different race winners, the Mexican Grand Prix, round 20 of 24, is no longer just a mid-season race, it’s the gateway to the final sprint for the title.
With overtaking possible but risky, and tyre wear relatively calm, strategy will be everything. Expect teams to gamble on one-stop runs, hoping to control track position rather than chase from behind. But as Mexico has shown before, safety cars, heat, and altitude can upend even the most careful plans. If history tells us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected.
No Pérez ? But not for long. His Homecoming begins.
This year, there’s a bittersweet feeling. Sergio (Checo) Pérez isn’t on the grid, and while it feels strange not hearing his name explode through the speakers on Sunday, you can still feel him everywhere in Mexico. From murals that line the streets, to all the number 11 flags that flutter in the grandstands, fans still chant for him as if he were racing.
And the best part? Pérez will be back alongside Valtteri Bottas with Cadillac, backed by General Motors and set to hit the Formula 1 grid in 2026. It’s the calm before the storm, a quiet chapter before his grand return to the sport, this time representing a brand-new era of American power in Formula 1.
You can already sense the excitement building; Mexico City is ready to welcome its hero home. So while the stands might miss the sound of his name echoing through the Foro Sol this weekend, the spirit is very much alive. The circuit isn’t saying goodbye, it’s saving his seat for 2026.
A Glimpse of the Future: O’Ward & the Rookies
Even without Pérez, Mexico will have a hero on track this weekend, Pato O’Ward. The Indycar star and runner up for Arrow McLaren will jump into the McLaren for a second time, and honestly, I couldn’t be prouder. O’Ward’s 2025 season in Indycar was a thrill and I can’t wait to see him again on track at our home race.
And he won’t be alone, other rookies are also getting a taste of Formula 1 life in FP1, he’s joined by a group of other exciting rookies stepping into FP1 for experience:
- Fred Vesti (Mercedes) – the Danish reserve driver, taking over for George Russell.
- Antonio Fuoco (Ferrari) – the Italian getting his first laps in the SF‑25.
- Arvid Lindblad (Red Bull) – stepping in for Max Verstappen, his second FP1 session.
- Luke Browning (Williams) – the Briton on his third FP1 outing.
- Jak Crawford (Aston Martin) – Formula 2 runner up, taking over Lance Stroll.
- Ryo Hirakawa (Haas) – Fourth practice with Haas, jumping in Ollie’s place.
- Ayumu Iwasa (Racing Bulls) – Currently 3rd in the superformula standings. Ready for his fourth FP1 and will be taking over Lawson’s car.
- Paul Aron (Alpine) – Finished third in the F2 standings. It’s crucial weekend for Aron as he is set to be in talks to take over Alpine’s second seat alongside Gasly.
Each trying to prove they belong among the best. It’s a reminder that Formula 1 never stops evolving, while we cheer for the legends battling at the front, we also watch the next generation take their first laps in our arena.
The Vibe: Fiesta Pura
There’s honestly nothing in motorsport that compares to Mexico’s atmosphere. From the moment gates open, it’s music, color, and energy. You hear mariachis between sessions, smell churros from the stands, and feel the entire stadium vibrate alongside the cars.
Even outside the circuit, the celebration never stops. Fans crowd the streets, cafés, and parks wearing team colors. You’ll see McLaren papaya next to Ferrari red, and no one cares, everyone’s just there to celebrate Formula 1 and life.
And if you go, do yourself a favor and eat everything. Tacos al pastor, elotes, and a cold michelada in between sessions. It’s part of the experience, trust me.
Special feeling about this race
This race always makes me emotional. Seeing the flags wave, hearing the anthem echo through the stadium, watching fans of every team cheer together, it’s a reminder that motorsport is about passion. And for us, it’s personal.
Even if Pérez is not racing this year, the soul of Mexican motorsport is stronger than ever. Between O’Ward’s FP1 run, the rookies stepping up, and the title fight heating to a boil, the 2025 Mexican Grand Prix feels like a promise, that our country’s love for racing is only just getting started.
For us, Formula 1 doesn’t just come to Mexico, it comes home.
Written by Marcia.
Edited by Alexandra.
Featured image credit: formulaonehistory.com
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