The Mexican Grand Prix is one of the oldest and most prestigious races in the world of motorsport. First held in 1963, the race has a rich history and has been an integral part of the Formula One (F1) calendar for many years. In this article, we will explore the history of the Mexican Grand Prix, from its inception to the present day.
The Early Years
The first Mexican Grand Prix was held in 1963 at the Magdalena Mixhuca circuit, which was located in the heart of Mexico City. The race was won by British driver Jim Clark, who was driving for Lotus. The circuit was known for its high altitude, which put extra strain on the cars and drivers, and its sweeping corners, which required skill and precision to navigate.
GET ONE MONTH FREE AND LEARN HOW TO BUILD YOUR OWN WEBSITE HERE
The Mexican Grand Prix continued to be held at the Magdalena Mixhuca circuit until 1970 when the race was cancelled due to safety concerns. However, the race returned to the F1 calendar in 1986, this time held at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez circuit, which was named after Mexican racing drivers Pedro and Ricardo Rodriguez.
The Golden Age
The 1986 race marked the beginning of a new era for the Mexican Grand Prix. The race became a favorite among fans and drivers alike, thanks in part to the festive atmosphere of the event and the passion of the Mexican fans. The circuit itself was also a factor, with its fast straights and challenging corners providing a true test of skill and bravery for the drivers.
The Mexican Grand Prix continued to be held at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez circuit throughout the 1990s, with several memorable races taking place during this period. In 1990, the race was won by French driver Alain Prost, who went on to win his fourth world championship that year. In 1992, Mexican driver Pedro Rodriguez was posthumously inducted into the FIA Hall of Fame, cementing his place as one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport.
The Modern Era
The Mexican Grand Prix was dropped from the F1 calendar in 1993 due to financial issues, but it made a triumphant return in 2015. The race was once again held at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez circuit, which had undergone significant renovations in the intervening years.
The modern era of the Mexican Grand Prix has been characterized by close racing, unpredictable results, and a carnival-like atmosphere in the grandstands. The race has also become a favorite among the drivers, who appreciate the challenge of the circuit and the passion of the Mexican fans.
In 2015, the race was won by Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg, who went on to win the world championship the following year. In 2016, the race was won by Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, who became the youngest driver in the history of the sport to win a Grand Prix.
The Mexican Grand Prix is a race with a rich history and a bright future. From its humble beginnings at the Magdalena Mixhuca circuit to its modern incarnation at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, the race has provided fans with some of the most exciting moments in the history of motorsport. As the F1 calendar continues to evolve and change, it is likely that the Mexican Grand Prix will remain a fixture for many years to come.
