Each autumn, the Formula 1 world turns its eyes toward Mexico City — where engines roar against thin air, grandstands erupt in color, and the passion of fans rivals the altitude itself. The Mexican Grand Prix isn’t just another stop on the calendar; it’s a race defined by endurance, emotion, and excellence.
From Honda’s historic victories to the unmistakable atmosphere of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, this Grand Prix embodies the global spirit of Formula 1 — a blend of precision, culture, and heart that unites fans and nations across continents.
A celebration of endurance and emotion
When Formula 1 returns to the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, it’s more than just another stop on the calendar — it’s a celebration of endurance, culture, and connection. The Mexican Grand Prix is one of the most atmospheric weekends in motorsport, where racing meets rhythm, and passion fills every grandstand.
Each October, over 400,000 fans transform the circuit into a festival of sound and color. From the echoes of mariachi bands to the roar of turbocharged engines, Mexico City becomes a living expression of Formula 1’s global heartbeat — one that unites people from every corner of the world in the love of racing.
And behind that emotion lies a story of engineering mastery that has shaped Mexico’s racing history for decades.
Honda’s legacy of excellence
Honda’s story here runs deep. The brand’s first victory in Mexico came in 1965, marking the beginning of a legacy defined by innovation and excellence. Over the decades, that legacy has been carried by legends — Nigel Mansell’s triumph with Williams-Honda in 1987, followed by Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna’s back-to-back victories for McLaren-Honda in 1988 and 1989.
Today, Honda is recognized as the most successful engine manufacturer at the Mexican Grand Prix, powering Red Bull Racing — the most successful constructor — and Max Verstappen, the most successful driver at this circuit.
From Sakura to Mexico City, Honda’s legacy continues to soar above the altitude, powering more than just victories — but a global movement of innovation, pride, and unity.
From Richie Ginther’s historic win to Verstappen’s dominance in 2023, Honda’s engineering mastery continues to define history-making moments.
As Verstappen said in 2018, “The atmosphere inside the stadium section is always good when you are out on track, but last year being on the podium it was next level. It turns into a party atmosphere pretty much as soon as the race is finished.”
It’s that electric mix of passion and precision that makes every Honda-powered victory in Mexico unforgettable — where the roar of the crowd meets the dynamic hum of engineering brilliance. That story doesn’t begin in Mexico, though — it starts thousands of kilometers away.
From Sakura to Mexico City
What makes this story even more remarkable is where it begins — thousands of kilometers away in Sakura, Japan. From the precision of Honda’s engineering base to the high-altitude demands of Mexico City, the connection between these two worlds shows how truly global Formula 1 has become.
Even continents apart, the pursuit of performance and perfection unites them — proving that excellence travels without borders.
And that pursuit is tested like nowhere else when the cars meet Mexico’s unique, high-altitude challenge.
The challenge of altitude
Racing in Mexico is a challenge like no other. At more than 2,200 meters above sea level, the thin air changes the game entirely. Cars produce less downforce, turbochargers work harder, and engines face immense pressure to perform reliably.
For drivers, it means wrestling machines that feel lighter yet more unstable — an intense physical and technical test that pushes both human and mechanical limits.
That’s where Honda’s precision really shines. In a race where every detail matters, their balance of power and reliability becomes the difference between control and chaos, between victory and heartbreak.
But the pulse of the weekend doesn’t come from the engines alone — it comes from the people who fill every grandstand.
The heart of the fans
It is undeniable: the fans are the beating heart of the Mexican Grand Prix. Their energy is unmatched, their pride unmistakable. Whether cheering for a local favorite or not, they fill every corner of the circuit with unrelenting passion.
“Racing at home means a lot for me… I am lucky I get to race in my country in front of my fans,” said home-hero Sergio Pérez. “Their support means so much to me and it’s inspiring to see fans waving the Mexican flag in every grandstand. I really want to give them a special result to celebrate.”
And it doesn’t stop in Mexico City — Mexican fans travel everywhere, waving their flags in Suzuka, Silverstone, and São Paulo. Wherever Formula 1 goes, their spirit follows.
Together with the teams and manufacturers who bring their craft from across the world, they remind us what makes F1 truly special — its worldwide unity.
A global movement of speed and spirit
The Mexican Grand Prix captures everything that makes Formula 1 more than a sport. It’s proof of how far passion can travel — from the workshops of Japan to the stands of Mexico, from engineers to fans, from heart to heart.
From Sakura to Mexico City, Honda’s legacy continues to soar above the altitude, powering more than just victories — but a global movement of innovation, pride, and unity.
Few moments capture Formula 1’s global spirit better than when German driver Nico Rosberg celebrated his 2015 victory in Mexico: “That was the best podium of my life! Thousands and thousands of people singing your name after winning on a great track… it’s unbelievable! In that moment you feel like a rock star on stage… . Thank you so much to all the Mexican fans who made my win here so special.”
It’s a reminder that the passion of the Mexican Grand Prix reaches every corner of the world — transcending borders, languages, and rivalries. Because at its core, Formula 1 isn’t just about speed. It’s about the people, the stories, and the shared pursuit of greatness that bring the world together — one race at a time.
