The Mexico City Grand Prix drew 401,326 fans in 2025 — the third-highest attendance of any race on F1's 24-stop calendar — and anyone who has been will tell you the number only tells half the story. The race at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez has become one of the sport's great spectacles, not just because of the racing but because it lands the same week as Día de Muertos, when the whole city is already in celebration mode.

Formula 1 has run in the capital on and off since 1963, returning permanently in 2015 under a contract that now runs to at least 2028. Roughly 48 million Mexicans follow the sport, and much of the energy centres on Sergio "Checo" Pérez, the hometown driver now racing for Cadillac. His return to the circuit for the first time since 2024 kicks off with a fan event on Paseo de la Reforma on Wednesday, October 28 at 10 a.m., where he'll drive a 1,000-horsepower Cadillac down the avenue. Locals say the fandom spills far beyond the track — fans in team gear fill metro cars, bars and every neighbourhood all weekend.

**Where to base yourself.** Colonia Juárez along Paseo de la Reforma is the consensus pick: tree-lined, packed with bars and restaurants, close to the Wednesday fan event, and connected by Metro Line 9 straight to the circuit — the smart way to dodge race-day traffic.

**Where to eat.** Pérez's own picks are breakfast institution El Cardenal (operating since 1969) and the Michelin-starred Pujol or Limosneros, all of which need advance bookings. If those are full, Casa Lumbre founder Iván Saldaña recommends Havre 77 for its burgers and French onion soup. For something rooted in tradition, El Hidalguense in Roma Sur is weekends-only and serves Hidalgo-style lamb barbacoa slow-cooked in maguey leaves, with consommé on the side. Cantina Salón Ríos near the Angel of Independence works well for race viewing, with screens and a molcajete hot pot big enough to fuel a full afternoon. Post-race, the adventurous head to Charly's Alitas y Postres in Colonia Obrera for a "Christmas" taco stuffed with pork loin, tamarind salsa and holiday-style spaghetti.

**Beyond the track.** Soho House hosts a Sunday screening with brunch and a poolside after-party, while Casa Imperial in Polanco pairs a seven-course tasting menu with race-day festivities. The timing with Día de Muertos is the real bonus: Paseo de la Reforma fills with more than 300 giant alebrijes — fantastical creatures crafted by local artisans for the Museo de Arte Popular's annual parade.

Even Pérez says two days is nowhere near enough for the capital, and he grew up here. The Grand Prix is a good excuse; the city is the reason to stay.