Published Thursday, October 22, 11:00 a.m. ET (9:00 a.m. Mexico City) · Source: Formula 1, El Universal, Fox Sports México
Organisers of Formula 1’s race in Mexico’s capital say they will open talks to keep it beyond 2028, as our Mexico City Grand Prix updates page tracks. The race starts on Sunday, November 1, at 3:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. Mexico City).
Federico González Compeán, the race’s director general, said the talks would come during a visit by Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1’s chief executive. He said the support of Mexico City’s government is essential.
Key Facts
- Talks: Organisers plan extension talks with Formula 1 and Mexico City’s government.
- Contract: The race is contracted through 2028; nothing beyond that is announced.
- Race: Sunday, November 1, 3:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. Mexico City), Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
- Impact: A business chamber estimates US$1.2 billion (22.228 billion pesos) in economic activity.
- Round: The 19th of 23 Formula 1 races this season.
In plain English
Formula 1 is the top level of single-seater motor racing, and each host city signs a contract to stage a race. A renewal would keep one of the sport’s biggest crowds in Mexico City, which matters to fans, hotels and sponsors.
What Organisers Said
González Compeán said the race has two contract years left after this one. “We have the contract for this year, we have two left, but I think we will be talking now during Stefano Domenicali’s visit and with the authorities, with Mexico City, because without its support this would not be possible,” he said.
Fox Sports México reported on October 5 that renewal work was already under way. No renewal length, fee or public subsidy has been disclosed.
Race Weekend Schedule
Formula 1 lists times in Mexico City time, UTC−6, because Mexico no longer uses daylight saving. On Friday, October 30, Practice 1 runs at 12:30 p.m. (2:30 p.m. ET) and Practice 2 at 4:00 p.m. (6:00 p.m. ET).
On Saturday, October 31, Practice 3 is at 11:30 a.m. (1:30 p.m. ET) and qualifying at 3:00 p.m. (5:00 p.m. ET). The race on Sunday, November 1, starts at 2:00 p.m., which is 3:00 p.m. ET because US clocks go back that morning.
The Money Behind the Race
A Mexico City business chamber, Canaco, estimates the weekend could generate 22.228 billion pesos (about US$1.2 billion) in economic activity. About 8.42 billion pesos (about US$450 million) of that would come from ticket sales.
Canaco expects hotel occupancy of 85% to 95%, and its total is 6.5% above its 2025 estimate. Pesos are converted at 18.72 per US dollar (EODHD, October 22).
Pérez’s Home Race
Sergio Pérez, Mexico’s best-known driver, is due to make his 300th Formula 1 start at the race if it goes ahead as planned. He drives for Cadillac, a team in its first season, and has not scored a point through 17 rounds.
Mexican reporting puts attendance above 405,000 over the 2024 weekend. The race is the 19th of 23 on this year’s calendar, after the United States Grand Prix in Austin on October 25.
What It Means for US Readers
A 3:00 p.m. ET start makes Sunday’s race an afternoon event for American fans. Any renewal would keep one of Formula 1’s biggest crowds a short flight from US cities such as Houston or Los Angeles.
Fans heading south should watch for the United States round in Austin first, covered in our US Grand Prix guide. Mexico City follows a week later.
What Is Not Known
No extension beyond 2028 has been announced, and the length and cost of any deal are unknown. Formula 1 has not yet held the 2026 Mexico City sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix?
The weekend runs from Friday, October 30, to Sunday, November 1, 2026. The race starts at 2:00 p.m. Mexico City time, which is 3:00 p.m. ET.
How long is the current contract?
The race is contracted through 2028. Organisers say they plan to talk about an extension during Stefano Domenicali’s visit, but nothing has been announced.
How much money does the race bring in?
The business chamber Canaco estimates 22.228 billion pesos, about US$1.2 billion, in economic activity. That includes about 8.42 billion pesos from ticket sales.
Which round of the season is Mexico City?
Formula 1 lists it as round 19 of 23. The United States Grand Prix in Austin comes first, and Brazil follows.
Sources: Formula 1: Mexico City Grand Prix · El Universal (Canaco estimate) · Excélsior · Fox Sports México
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief
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