After coming close to being on the 2014 Formula 1 schedule, the Mexican Grand Prix will return to the calendar in 2015, it has been announced.
The event at the 4.421km Mexico City circuit has been added after a 23-year absence from F1, having seen upgrades to the track to get it up to the modern standards required by the sport. The final track layout has yet to be defined but organisers insist the pit complex, paddock and spectator areas will be heavily revamped before the race next year.
Tavo Hellmund, who played a pivotal role in getting Formula 1 to Austin in the United States, had pushed for Mexico to get back on the calendar, and is delighted that this will come to fruition in 2015.
“Ever since Bernie and I began working on a race at Austin, it’s been a dream of mine to help Formula 1 return to Mexico,” said Hellmund. “This announcement has therefore been years in the making, but we’ve gradually been able to assemble all the right pieces. I’m absolutely delighted.”
F1 Supremo Bernie Ecclestone has welcomed Mexico back onto the Formula One schedule, and declared that he was delighted the country was getting F1 back after such a long time off the schedule.
“I feel it is the right for F1 for and Mexico and I’m sure it will be to the benefit of both for many years,” said Ecclestone. “I look forward to welcoming you all to this global event next year.”
Mexico last hosted a Grand Prix back in 1992 in a race that saw Nigel Mansell lead home team-mate Riccardo Patrese for a Williams-Renault 1-2 finish, with the Benetton of Michael Schumacher completing the podium that day.
With an event at Baku in Azerbaijan already confirmed to be an addition to the schedule in 2015, it is quite possible Formula One could have twenty-one races next year, unless a current track drops off the schedule. Teams made agree to the extra races if Ecclestone makes a financial package that makes it viable.
