Mexican Grand Prix

Formula One returns to Mexico City next month for the Mexican Grand Prix. Held annually at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, the third last race of the 2017 championship is sure to be an exciting one as the season races towards its climax. Read on to learn more.

History of the Mexican Grand Prix

The inaugural Mexican Grand Prix was held in 1962 at the Magdalena Mixhuca circuit. Located in a park in the center of the capital city, the track proved popular with drivers and went on to host Formula one championship races until 1970. During this period the Mexican Grand Prix was always the final race of the season, and hosted several thrilling championship deciders.

A huge crowd of around 200,000 people turned up in 1970 to witness local hero Pedro Rodríguez take part. The sheer volume of spectators proved difficult to control, and the race almost had to be cancelled. Fans sat dangerously close to the side of the track, with many even crossing the track itself during the race. These antics led to the cancellation of the race the following year.

Mexican Grand Prix 1970

The 1970 Mexican Grand Prix saw fans sitting dangerously close to the track, with a dog being hit by a car at one point during the race.

Formula One did not return to Mexico City until 1986, when the venue underwent a complete redesign and was brought up to the required safety standards. The circuit was also renamed Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, after the famous local drivers Ricardo and Pedro Rodríguez. This period saw a total of seven F1 championship races take place, until the race was cancelled once again in 1993 due to the poor condition of the track surface.

Into the 21st Century

The Mexican Grand Prix was finally reinstated as a Formula One event in 2015, after an absence of 23 years. Practically every corner of the circuit underwent extensive modifications ahead of the race, including the infamous “Peraltada”, which was considered one of the most daunting corners in the sport. This banked, 180-degree curve was replaced with a series of slow bends, which run through the Foro Sol stadium that makes up a part of the autodrome complex.

F1’s return to Mexico proved a huge success. The 2015 race attracted 336,174 attendees over the weekend, the second-largest audience in the championship and only slightly behind Silverstone. More than 13,500 jobs were created as a direct result of the event, which brought income of more than $82.6 MDD to the city. The FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) went so far as to name the Mexican Grand Prix “Best Event of the Year”.

Mexican Grand Prix 2015 Crowd

The 2015 Mexican Grand Prix drew a large and enthusiastic crowd to Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez (Picture credit: F1 media center).

The 2016 season brought an even greater number of fans to Mexico City, with a three-day total of 339,967 spectators turning up for the event. 135,026 people packed into the autodrome on the final day to witness man of the moment Lewis Hamilton race to victory. The Briton currently tops the leaderboard in the driver’s championship, and will be hot favorite to take the chequered flag. His closest rival is Germany’s Sebastian Vettel, sitting less than 30 points behind at the time of writing. Who will triumph in the third Mexican Grand Prix of the 21st Century? Find out next month!

The Mexican Grand Prix takes place at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City on Sunday, October 29.
For further information on the race, please visit the official Formula One Website.

Flying to Mexico City

Landing Permits are mandatory for both Part 91 (private non-revenue) and Part 135 (non-scheduled commercial) flights to Mexico. The following documentation is required:

  • Airworthiness certificate
  • Registration certificate
  • Valid insurance documents
  • Pilot licenses
  • Medical certificates

Charter/non-scheduled commercial operators must also submit their FAA OST 4507 form (for ‘N’ registered aircraft), OPS SPECS (if operators are a different nationality), and power of attorney. All documents should be provided at least 24 hours prior to the travel date.

Licenciado Adolfo López Mateos International Airport (IATA: TLC, ICAO: MMTO) in Toluca is the primary international airport for General Aviation (GA) operators traveling to the Mexican Grand Prix. Benito Juarez International Airport (IATA: MEX/ ICAO: MMMX) in Mexico City is closer to the race venue, however is only open to scheduled commercial and governmental flights. MMTO offers 24-hour Airport of Entry (AoE) services, with customs and immigration officers based on-site. Airport slots are not required, and hangar parking can be offered (subject to availability).

The Jetex Tolouca FBO provides a full range of services including ground handling, fuel uplifts and bespoke concierge services. Passengers can relax in the comfortable executive lounge while their paperwork is processed. The Jetex FBO Terminal in Toluca is approximately 50 minutes away from the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez by road (depending on traffic). Read more about the Jetex FBO Terminal in Toluca.

Looking to arrive in style? We can arrange helicopter transfers from the airport to the race. Contact our team for further information.

Querétaro International Airport (IATA: QRO, ICAO: MMQT) is the best alternative airport for the Grand Prix. MMQT also offers 24-hour AoE and customs and immigration services. However, please note that the standard FBO operating hours are restricted to 14:00 – 01:00 UTC. Overtime can be arranged until 05:00 UTC (if requested before 22:00 UTC) and additional charges will apply. Slots are not required at this airport. Security services and a VIP lounge are also available, together with ample aircraft parking space. MMQT is approximately three to three and a half hours away from the Grand Prix venue by car.

Arrange Your Trip to the Mexican Grand Prix With Jetex

Planning to visit Mexico City for the Mexican Grand Prix? Arrange your trip with Jetex!

We offer you a full range of executive aviation services, including international trip planningground handlingworldwide fuel uplifts and bespoke concierge services. Our dedicated and highly experienced operations teams are on standby 24/7, ready to assist with every aspect of your journey.

Arrange your trip to Mexico today! Contact our team on +971 4 212 4000 or email info@jetex.com.