Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez
Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is a permanent road course located in Mexico City, Mexico. It is named in honor of Mexican racing drivers Ricardo and Pedro Rodríguez. The track has been a major fixture in global motorsports since its opening in 1959. It is notable for its technical complexity, high-altitude setting, and multi-series history, including Formula 1, NASCAR, Formula E, A1 Grand Prix, and other international and regional events.
Location and General Details
- Location: Mexico City, Mexico
- Original Opening: 1959
- Elevation: 2,238 meters / 7,343 feet above sea level
- Standard Circuit Length: 4.304 km / 2.674 miles
- Surface Type: Asphalt
- Turn Count (F1 layout): 17
- Key Features: Foro Sol stadium section, Peraltada corner, long front straight
Historical Background
Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez was originally designed by Óscar Fernández in the early 1950s as part of a student thesis. The facility opened officially in 1959 and quickly gained international attention. It hosted its first Formula 1 Grand Prix in 1963. Over the decades, the circuit underwent various upgrades to meet safety and competition standards.
The track is named for Ricardo Rodríguez, who died in a crash during practice for the 1962 Mexican Grand Prix. His older brother Pedro Rodríguez, who later died in 1971 during a sports car race in Germany, was also a renowned international driver. Their contributions to racing and tragic deaths gave the circuit its name and national significance.
Circuit Features and Layout
The track is known for its demanding configuration and atmospheric challenges. The combination of thin air and reduced engine performance due to altitude makes it one of the most difficult venues for vehicle tuning and driver endurance.
The most famous section of the circuit is the Peraltada, a high-speed, slightly banked final corner that leads onto the main straight. Due to safety concerns, this part of the track has been reprofiled over the years. Currently, the track winds through the Foro Sol baseball stadium, creating a unique stadium section with tight corners and a slow-speed complex before rejoining the Peraltada.
Aerodynamic drag is reduced at high elevation, allowing higher top-end speed. However, cooling and grip are affected. Teams must carefully adjust setups to compensate for these unusual conditions.
NASCAR Configuration
For the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series race, a modified version of the circuit will be used. This configuration will measure approximately 3.909 km / 2.429 miles and include 15 turns. Adjustments are made to accommodate stock cars, which differ significantly from open-wheel vehicles in size, braking ability, and weight distribution.
- NASCAR Layout Length: 2.429 miles (approx.)
- Turn Count: 15
- Surface: Asphalt
- Stock Car Adaptation: Includes minor reconfiguration for safety, braking zones, and pit road access
NASCAR Cup Series Event – 2025
NASCAR will hold its first-ever points-paying Cup Series race outside the United States since 1958 at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez on Sunday, June 15, 2025. The race will cover 390.91 km (242.9 miles) over 100 laps.
The event structure will include:
- Stage 1: 20 laps
- Stage 2: 45 laps
- Final Stage: 35 laps
- Total Distance: 100 laps / 242.9 miles
This race is part of NASCAR’s broader effort to expand its international presence. The venue was chosen for its rich motorsport history, technical demands, and Mexico’s established fan base for racing.
Motorsport Legacy
In addition to Formula 1 and NASCAR, Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez has hosted:
- Formula E (since 2016)
- A1 Grand Prix
- World Endurance Championship
- Champ Car / CART / IndyCar events
- NASCAR Mexico Series
The circuit is also used for national-level touring car, truck, and open-wheel championships. Its high-capacity grandstands and central location in Mexico City make it accessible to a large audience.