Mexico concerned about its future in F1
The Mexican Grand Prix could lose its place on the calendar in the coming years due to the absence of a Mexican driver on the grid since Sergio Pérez's departure.
A Grand Prix Now Without a National Hero. For the first time since its return to the calendar in 2015, the Mexican Grand Prix, held at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, will take place without a driver following Perez’s removal from Red Bull after a disappointing 2024 season where he didn’t secure any victories. This forced the Austrian team to react by deciding to promote Liam Lawson. A decision that leads to a direct consequence: there is no longer a Mexican in F1.
Mexico between optimism and concern to stay in F1
If some fear a lack of interest in this Grand Prix with fans having no one to support, Alejandro Soberon, CEO of the race promoter CIE, says he is confident about the circuit’s future and thinks that the current struggle in F1 could be advantageous. It’s all a matter of marketing. It’s much better to have a local hero, but if you don’t have that, fans will always find a hero to follow. We are now able to offer the public a much better show than five years ago, so I think the competition between the drivers and the other vivid colors of our show will be enough to maintain public interest.
Despite everything, Alejandro Soberon acknowledges that Perez’s absence could have significant consequences on the holding of the Grand Prix in the years to come. « As organizers, we are inevitably very concerned about Sergio’s absence from the grid and are trying to find a way to extend the contract with Formula 1. »
Fans who will not be able to support their national driver
Outside of the sporting aspect, the economic factor also comes into play. The departure of the former Racing Point driver means several million pounds from fans who bought tickets to see him on track and from his sponsors will be lost. Nonetheless, hope is not lost. In recent days, rumors of Perez joining the future Cadillac team have intensified. If this materializes, the Mexican Grand Prix might only need to wait a year before regaining its national hero. A situation that would keep its place on the calendar for several more years. Meanwhile, the sale of tickets for the race to be held next October will be a first indicator to determine if the Grand Prix, without a Mexican driver, can maintain its past enthusiasm.
