Mexico City GP faces uncertain future following Perez F1 exit
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The Mexican Grand Prix is facing an uphill battle to secure its place on the Formula 1 calendar beyond 2025, with promoters expressing serious concern following the departure of homegrown star Sergio Perez.
With the former Red Bull driver no longer on the grid, the event's long-term viability is in question, casting doubt over the future of one of F1's most vibrant and passionate races.
The Mexican Grand Prix has enjoyed a resurgence since its return to the F1 calendar in 2015, drawing record-breaking crowds year after year.
But at the heart of its success has been the country's unwavering support for Sergio Perez, whose presence has galvanized a fervent home crowd.
Last year, a staggering 404,958 fans poured into the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City over the race weekend, many coming specifically to cheer on their national hero.
However, with Red Bull opting to part ways with Perez at the end of 2024 following a difficult season, the event's organisers fear a significant drop in interest.
Alejandro Soberon, CEO of CIE, the company behind the race's promotion, has admitted that Perez's absence from the grid is a cause for major concern.
"As organisers, we are very concerned about Sergio Perez's absence from the Formula 1 grid," Soberon stated, quoted by FormulaPassion.it.
"However, we are trying to find a way to extend our contract with the championship."
Searching for a Future Without Perez
Soberon remains hopeful that the spectacle of the event itself can sustain fan enthusiasm, emphasizing improvements made in recent years.
"We are now able to provide the public with a much better show than we did five years ago, and we believe that the competition between the drivers and the bright colours of our show are sufficient aspects to keep spectators interested," he said last October, when doubts regarding Perez F1 future emerged.
Yet, he acknowledged that losing a local hero presents a formidable challenge. While having a homegrown star undeniably boosts attendance and engagement, Soberon remains optimistic that the Mexican crowd will continue to find new drivers to rally behind.
"Everything depends on marketing and, although it is always better to have an idol of the local public, in the event that there is not one we are convinced that the fans will still find a hero to support," he explained.
Fighting for a Spot on the Calendar
The timing of Mexico's contract expiration complicates matters further. Two other major venues –Imola and Las Vegas – also have contracts expiring in 2025.
However, Las Vegas is widely expected to secure a long-term extension, as Formula 1 itself acts as the event's promoter, and local authorities have already paved the way for a decade-long commitment to racing in the entertainment capital.
Meanwhile, several other nations, including South Africa and Rwanda, are eager to claim a spot on the F1 calendar. With the increasing globalization of the sport, competition for hosting rights is fiercer than ever.
The Mexican Grand Prix has been a cornerstone of F1's Latin American presence, but its survival now depends on proving it can thrive without Perez.
If the event fails to maintain its immense draw, Formula 1 may be tempted to move the slot elsewhere.
Soberon's comments underscore the anxiety surrounding the race's future, but they also reflect a belief that the passionate Mexican fanbase can keep the event alive.
Whether that optimism translates into a contract extension remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: 2025 could be the most crucial year in the history of the Mexico City Grand Prix.
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