5 Amazing Moments at the Formula 1 Mexican Grand Prix

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Mexican Grand Prix, Formula 1

Nestled high in the mountains of Mexico City, the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez has become one of the most atmospheric venues in Formula 1. From its high-altitude challenges to the electric energy of the Foro Sol stadium section, the Mexican Grand Prix has delivered both raw emotion and unforgettable drama. Its mix of tight technical corners and long straights creates opportunities for breathtaking racing, and the roar of the home crowd adds a whole other layer to the spectacle.

Let’s revisit five amazing moments that prove why the Mexican Grand Prix is one of Formula 1’s most passionate and unpredictable showdowns.

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Mexico Grand Prix, Autodromo Hermanos, Formula 1

Mexican Grand Prix 1967 – Clark’s Masterclass from the Back

Jim Clark, Formula 1, Legend , Lotus, Belgian Grand PRix

In one of the most underrated drives of his legendary career, Jim Clark delivered a masterclass at the 1967 Mexican Grand Prix. After suffering a puncture in qualifying, Clark was forced to start 12th—well down the order for a race in that era. Undeterred, he launched a relentless charge through the field. Lap after lap, Clark picked off cars with surgical precision, eventually passing Jack Brabham for the lead.

He crossed the line 1st in what would become his final Grand Prix victory. Though overshadowed at the time by Denny Hulme clinching the championship, Clark’s win remains one of the greatest comeback performances in the history of the Mexican GP—and a final reminder of his otherworldly talent.

1990 – Mansell’s Wild Outside Pass on Berger

When it comes to bold overtakes, few can match Nigel Mansell’s move at the 1990 Mexican Grand Prix. In the closing laps, the British driver found himself behind Gerhard Berger in a tight scrap for second place. Heading into the daunting Peraltada corner—a long, banked, high-speed right-hander—Mansell shocked everyone by going around the outside.

The crowd erupted as the Ferrari driver made the move stick. It was a breathtaking moment of bravery, commitment, and sheer Mansell-style madness. He finished second behind teammate Alain Prost, giving Ferrari a 1–2 in front of a delighted Mexican crowd. To this day, it remains one of the greatest overtakes ever witnessed in Formula 1.

2016 – Verstappen, Vettel, Ricciardo: The Penalty Parade

The final laps of the 2016 Mexican Grand Prix were pure chaos. Max Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel, and Daniel Ricciardo were all battling for third place in a tense DRS train. Verstappen, running third, cut across the grass at Turn 1 after locking up, rejoining just ahead of Vettel. The Dutchman didn’t give the position back, and the drama exploded from there.

Vettel was furious over team radio—both at Verstappen and at the stewards—while Ricciardo attempted a late dive on the Ferrari. Post-race, penalties were handed out like playing cards: Verstappen was penalized for leaving the track and not yielding; Vettel was then penalized for moving under braking while defending against Ricciardo. Ricciardo, who crossed the line fifth, was promoted to third on the final classification.

It was one of the most contentious and confusing podium reshuffles in recent memory, and a vivid display of how Baku isn’t the only place where tempers fly and rules are tested.

2017 – Hamilton Seals Title with a Damaged Car

The 2017 Mexican Grand Prix didn’t feature Lewis Hamilton on the podium—but it might have been one of his most meaningful races. On Lap 1, Hamilton and title rival Sebastian Vettel collided. Vettel needed a win and for Hamilton to DNF to keep his title hopes alive, but both continued—albeit with damage.

Hamilton nursed his battered Mercedes to a ninth-place finish, enough to mathematically clinch his fourth world title. It was a gritty, determined drive in a race he easily could’ve retired from. Vettel finished fourth, but it wasn’t enough. The title was sealed, and Hamilton celebrated surrounded by a party-like atmosphere in the Foro Sol stadium. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was gutsy—a champion’s drive in the most unexpected way.

2021 – Checo Mania Takes Over Mexico

When Sergio Pérez became a Red Bull driver, the Mexican crowd knew they had a chance to witness something special—and in 2021, they got their wish. Pérez didn’t just stand on the podium at his home Grand Prix—he became the first Mexican driver to do so in the history of the event.

After a dramatic start where teammate Verstappen took the lead around the outside of both Mercedes cars, Pérez slotted into third and eventually challenged Lewis Hamilton for second. Though he didn’t pull off the pass, he crossed the line in third to raucous celebrations.

The energy inside the stadium section was unforgettable. Fans cheered every lap, erupted at the finish, and stayed long after the checkered flag. That day wasn’t about a win—it was about pride, perseverance, and the deep love Mexico has for its local hero. It felt like a victory for everyone in red, green, and white.

From fearless passes and championship drama to long-awaited homegrown success, the Mexican Grand Prix consistently delivers emotion and unpredictability. Whether it’s the high altitude, the tight racing, or the power of the crowd, something about Mexico always brings out the best—and the wildest—in Formula 1.

For Tickets and Package Deals to the Mexican Grand Prix, Please Click Here

Mexico Grand Prix, Autodromo Hermanos, Formula 1

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