Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez
Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is a renowned motorsport racing circuit located in Mexico City, Mexico. It is a prominent venue in international racing calendars, hosting a broad range of events including Formula 1, NASCAR, and endurance racing. The circuit is named in honor of the Rodríguez brothers, Ricardo and Pedro Rodríguez, both of whom were distinguished Mexican racing drivers. Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is celebrated both for its challenging layout and its unique location in a densely populated urban setting at high altitude.
History
The track was built in 1959 within the Magdalena Mixiuhca Sports City, established from an idea by Pedro Natalio Rodríguez, the father of racing brothers Ricardo and Pedro Rodríguez. As an advisor to the then Mexican President Adolfo López Mateos, he persuaded the government to develop the track using existing roads within the sports complex. The circuit was completed within a year and hosted its first race, the Mexico City 500 Miles, in December 1959.
The Autódromo first hosted Formula 1 in 1962 with a non-championship race, followed by the inaugural official Mexican Grand Prix in 1963, won by Jim Clark. Early races were known for high speeds and a festive atmosphere but also marked by tragic incidents, including the death of Ricardo Rodríguez during practice in 1962. The track regularly featured as a season finale for F1 during the 1960s and 1970s. However, safety concerns and crowd control issues led to the Mexican Grand Prix being dropped after 1970.
After a hiatus, the event returned in the 1980s following major renovations, staying on the F1 calendar intermittently until 1992. The circuit underwent significant upgrades and reopened for Formula 1 in 2015, quickly becoming a key and popular venue once again. The return was bolstered by the rise of Mexican driver Sergio Pérez, whose local hero status drew strong crowds.
Most Famous Races Held
Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is best known for the Mexican Grand Prix, a prestigious Formula 1 race held mostly in October or November since its calendar return in 2015. Other notable events include the FIA World Endurance Championship, NASCAR Mexico Series, and Formula E races. The track is famous for its opening sequence of corners and a unique stadium section inside Foro Sol baseball stadium, which creates an intense spectator experience.
Track Information
The circuit measures 4.304 kilometers (2.674 miles) and is situated approximately 2,285 meters (7,500 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest circuits in Formula 1. The altitude creates technical challenges, including reduced engine power and driver endurance concerns due to thinner air. The layout retains much of the original 1959 design with modern safety improvements.
Key features include a long main straight over one kilometer in length, a famous Amphetamine corner, and the modified Peraltada, which now winds into and through the Foro Sol stadium complex. The circuit boasts a mix of high-speed straights and sweeping corners, combined with complex technical sections, testing both car and driver extensively.
The venue is integrated into Mexico City’s urban fabric, with easy access via public transportation, drawing large, passionate crowds to race weekends. Facilities have been continually modernized to meet international standards, enhancing both competitor and spectator experiences.