The Mexico City Grand Prix is one of Formula 1's biggest parties — 401,326 fans turned up in 2025, making it the third-most-attended race on the 24-race calendar, and the sport claims roughly 48 million supporters across the country. Much of the fervour centres on hometown hero Sergio "Checo" Pérez, now driving for Cadillac, who returns to the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez for the first time since 2024. Fans can catch him driving a 1,000-horsepower Cadillac down Paseo de la Reforma on Wednesday 28 October at 10am ahead of the race.

What sets this Grand Prix apart, say regulars, is everything happening off the track. It lands on the same weekend as Día de Muertos, so Reforma gets decked out with more than 300 giant alebrijes — the fantastical painted creatures crafted by local artisans for Museo de Arte Popular's annual parade. Add the famously exuberant chilango crowd and the whole city becomes an extension of the circuit: fans in team gear chanting on public transit in every neighbourhood.

Practicalities first. Locals recommend basing yourself around Paseo de la Reforma in Colonia Juárez — tree-lined, well stocked with bars and restaurants, and handy for the metro. Take the brown Line 9 out to the track on the city's eastern edge rather than fighting traffic.

Eating well is easy here. Pérez's own picks: old-school breakfast institution El Cardenal (running since 1969), plus Michelin-starred dinners at Pujol or Limosneros if you booked ahead. Chef Eduardo García's bistro Havre 77 is a cosier bet for French onion soup and standout burgers. For something deeply rooted, El Hidalguense in Roma Sur opens weekends only and serves lamb barbacoa slow-cooked in maguey leaves with consommé — a living indigenous tradition rather than a trendy reinvention. Cantina Salón Ríos near the Angel of Independence works well for race viewing over a Molcajete Caliente, a bubbling mix of grilled arrachera, panela cheese, nopales and chorizo. And for the adventurous, a sidewalk stand called Charly's Alitas y Postres in Colonia Obrera sells a "Christmas" taco with pork loin, tamarind salsa and holiday spaghetti.

If you're skipping a day at the circuit, there's no shortage of watch parties. Soho House Mexico City hosts a Sunday race screening with brunch and a Patron-sponsored poolside after-party; Polanco's Casa Imperial turns into an F1 hub alongside a seven-course tasting menu; and Pinche Gringo BBQ draws a lively international crowd.

Beyond the race, this is a city that rewards extra days — Pérez himself says two days is never enough, and the Día de Muertos atmosphere alone justifies the trip. The World Cup host summer of 2026 showed the same thing: visitors leave impressed by the food, the welcome and the sheer energy of the place.

The upshot: even if you're not an F1 devotee, this weekend might be the single best time to experience Mexico City at full throttle. Book accommodation early, learn the metro map, and come hungry.

First published by Condé Nast Traveller UK.