THE CADILLAC FORMULA 1® TEAM AIM TO REACH NEW HEIGHTS IN MEXICO CITY

Mexico City’s Formula 1 history spans three distinct eras, from its years as a season finale in the 1960s to its return in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Following a 23-year absence, the race rejoined the calendar in 2015 and has since established itself as a sold-out event every year.

The circuit sits at 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) where air density is approximately 75–80% of that at sea level. At this altitude, the lower air density would reduce the power of a naturally aspirated engine by around 20–25%. Modern turbocharged F1 power units compensate for much of this loss, with the turbocharger boosting performance.

The altitude also reduces cooling and downforce, meaning teams must use increased brake and engine cooling and maximum-downforce bodywork, while still reaching speeds comparable to those achieved with low-drag setups at sea level. Valtteri Bottas recorded a top speed of 372.5 km/h (231.46 mph) on the straights at the 2016 Mexico City Grand Prix, one of the highest speeds recorded in Formula 1. He also holds the race lap record which he set in 2021 with a 1:17.774.

Checo Pérez will celebrate a welcome return to his home race and his 300th Grand Prix this weekend. The Cadillac Formula 1® Team will hold a public show run on Wednesday along the Paseo de la Reforma through the heart of the city, with Pérez at the wheel to mark this career milestone.

Before this weekend, both Cadillac Formula 1® Team drivers had contested nine editions of the Mexican Grand Prix. Pérez has scored points at six of those races, finishing on the podium in both 2021 and 2022. Bottas took pole position and fastest lap in 2021, and has scored points on six occasions, including podium finishes in 2015, 2017 and 2019.

The Mexico City Grand Prix will also mark Colton Herta’s fifth Free Practice 1 appearance with the Cadillac Formula 1® Team, as he takes the wheel of Valtteri Bottas’s car for the opening practice session.

“Every opportunity to get behind the wheel with the team is valuable, and I’m looking forward to being back in the car in Mexico. It’s a great chance to keep learning, build my experience in Formula 1 on a new circuit and contribute to the team’s work across the weekend,” said American driver, Colton Herta.

“The Mexico City Grand Prix always presents a peculiar challenge for F1 teams, and it's even more the case for a new team like us.” says Team Principal Marcin Budkowski.“The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is the highest-altitude circuit on the Formula 1 calendar, which requires very specific setup and preparation, such as maximum cooling and maximum downforce. It will further our learning as we look ahead to 2027.

The atmosphere inside the circuit is fantastic and our team is naturally going to be the center of attention this year, with Checo celebrating his 300th grand prix in front of his home crowd. We are fully focused on the race in front of us and will work hard to give him and Valtteri a car with which they can race hard and challenge our nearest competitors.”

Checo Pérez:

“I didn't race here last year, so this year I’m super-excited to be back – and for this to be my 300th grand prix is incredible. I’m thrilled that we’re starting the week with a road show in the city. It’s been a huge thing for Mexico to have a driver in F1, and I’ve had amazing support throughout my career, and this is a great opportunity to say thank you to all the fans. There’s a lot of passion for F1 in the country and, as ever, the fans will bring a lot of energy to the circuit. It always feels great to be racing at home.”

Valtteri Bottas:

“Mexico is one of the races you really look forward to, because the noise and the atmosphere is like nowhere else in F1 – particularly going through the stadium section. The speeds on the main straight are spectacular, and you really feel it in the car! It’s a circuit that requires precision because the level of grip is very low and small mistakes are punishing. At COTA last week we didn’t finish the race, which is always disappointing, but while these triple-headers are tough for the team, it also presents quick opportunities to bounce back immediately.”

About Cadillac Formula 1^® Team

The Cadillac Formula 1^® Team is a specialist motor racing team competing in the FIA Formula 1^® World Championship. Backed by TWG Motorsports and General Motors, the team has operations in Indianapolis, Indiana (USA); Charlotte, North Carolina (USA); and Silverstone, Northamptonshire (UK). With the confidence to dream big and the passion to deliver, the Cadillac Formula 1^® Team is building everything from the ground up – from high-performance race cars to an inclusive, values-driven culture. The team made its Formula 1^® debut in 2026.