Mexican Grand Prix facts and stats you should know as Max Verstappen looks to extend Mexico record

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Formula 1 is at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez this weekend for the Mexican Grand Prix as all focus turns to the drivers’ championship battle.

Max Verstappen has closed the gap to the leading McLaren duo in the standings, trailing Oscar Piastri by 40 points after dominating the United States Grand Prix.

The Dutchman started both the Sprint race and the main grand prix from pole position, before claiming victories in both races.

Piastri had a disappointing weekend, including an error at the start of Saturday’s Sprint race, which took both McLarens out of the event.

A DNF in the Sprint and a sixth-place finish in the main grand prix have left Piastri vulnerable in the championship as teammate Lando Norris and Verstappen close in on the Aussie.

Nine rookies will be taking part in FP1 for the Mexican Grand Prix, with both Verstappen and Norris being replaced by the team’s reserve drivers.

Read more: 2025 F1 Mexican Grand Prix: qualifying and race times, how to watch and weather forecast

Mexican Grand Prix returned to Formula 1 calendar in 2015 after 23-year absence

The Mexican Grand Prix was first hosted in 1962, with the race taking place at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, although it was named the Magdalena Mixhuca. The event has only taken place at the track in Mexico City since its maiden F1 race.

The Mexican Grand Prix dropped off the calendar in 1993 after struggling to keep up with the modern safety regulations that were required, as well as high levels of air pollution.

F1 bosses teased a return multiple times over the two decades and was set to return in 2014, before being delayed by a year, as there had not been sufficient preparation time to make the required upgrades.

There have been 25 Mexican Grands Prix since 1962, with Max Verstappen being the most dominant driver at the race.

Verstappen has won five races around the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, leading Jim Clark, who has three. The Dutchman’s wins in 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022 and 2023, also give Red Bull the lead for most wins by a constructor at the grand prix.

McLaren is the only top team that has yet to take a win in the modern era, with Ayrton Senna’s 1989 victory the last for the squad at the event.

There have been a number of unforgettable moments from the Mexican Grand Prix over the years, including the 2024 race when an intense battle between championship contenders Verstappen and Norris, saw the Dutchman slapped with a combined 20-second penalty.

The dramatic fight between the pair allowed Carlos Sainz to take the lead of the race, which has remained the last time that Ferrari took an F1 victory.

Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez track stats and facts

The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is 4.304 km (2.674 mi), making it the third-shortest track on the F1 calendar, behind Zandvoort and Monaco.

The circuit is 2,238 m (7,343 ft) above sea level, making it the highest grand prix. It is nearly 1.5km higher than the next-highest circuit, which is Interlagos in Brazil.

The high altitude causes unique challenges to the teams with the thinner air resulting in the need for a higher downforce set-up. It also makes it harder to cool the power unit and the brakes, so it is common for the cars to go into tyre management mode during the race.

Some of the highest speeds are seen at the Mexican Grand Prix, due to similar levels of downforce to Monza. According to Mercedes, cars can reach top speeds of 346km/h (215 mph) with a tow.

Despite being one of the shortest circuits, the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez has the longest run from pole position to the Turn 1 braking zone at 767m long.

What have the F1 drivers said about the 2025 Mexican Grand Prix?

Max Verstappen: “We need to keep having perfect weekends to fight for the Championship so it is important to hit the ground running in Mexico. The circuit tends to suit our car and it will be all about managing our tyres and the grip. Of course, the high altitude always brings unique challenges, decreasing the air density, which will be affecting everyone. Mexico is always a fun party atmosphere so it will be exciting to round up the double header there.”

Carlos Sainz: “Heading into Mexico week, it’s always a circuit I love to race at, and the energy of the crowds is unmatched. It’s disappointing to be heading into the weekend with the five-place grid penalty but on the positive side, we know the car has pace so hopefully we can qualify well and fight our way back on Sunday. The team continues to have some good momentum so I’m looking forward to it!”

Alex Albon: “I’m looking forward to heading to Mexico City and finishing the double header strong. The track in Mexico is very different partially because of the altitude, and the stadium section is one of the best to drive through on the F1 calendar.” 

Esteban Ocon: “I am very much looking forward to returning to Mexico this weekend. It’s a great country with great people, and the atmosphere in the city and at the track is truly unique, and you can really feel the passion of the Mexican fans from the moment you land.

For me, one of the coolest and most iconic parts of the circuit is the packed stadium section. It’s always really special to drive through there, and it gets all the drivers hyped up before the race. This particular track is an exciting one to drive, and the car handles differently than any other place we go to because of the high altitude, so that is something all the teams will have their eye on.”

Records that could be broken at the 2025 Mexican Grand Prix

Verstappen has the opportunity to extend his lead for the driver with the most wins at the Mexican Grand Prix. If he takes a win around the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez this weekend, it will be the four-time world champion’s sixth victory at the track.

A win for the Dutchman this weekend will see the track become his most successful, with the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez and the Red Bull Ring currently holding his record with five wins apiece.

If Verstappen or Yuki Tsunoda win this weekend, it will also push Red Bull’s lead for most wins by a constructor to three victories ahead of other teams at the event.

Even a podium finish would be a milestone for Verstappen this weekend. He currently sits in joint-third place with Sebastian Vettel, with the pair both standing on the podium 122 times.

Vettel and Verstappen are behind Michael Schumacher in 2nd with 155, and Lewis Hamilton in first with 202 career podiums.