The best things you need to know to go to the F1 Mexico City Grand Prix

The Mexico City Grand Prix 2021 will have many variations concerning previous editions forced by the COVID-19 pandemic. That is why it is important that before going to the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez you prepare your visit correctly to avoid wasting the least amount of time in the different processes.

Which tickets are valid for the Mexico City GP 2021?

Since the 2020 edition was suspended due to the COVID19 pandemic, the organization decided to make those tickets valid, but also to put on sale the remaining tickets for the 2021 edition. Thus, as long as you did not request a refund, your tickets purchased last year are valid for the eighteenth date of the current Formula 1 calendar.

What do I need to access the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez?

Unlike other years, you will not only need your ticket to enter the Mexico City Grand Prix. This time you will have to complete a sanitary filter, to reduce the possibility of COVID-19 contagion inside the facilities. In addition to your ticket, you will have to present at the entrance your proof of vaccination with a complete vaccination schedule (one or two doses depending on the vaccine), or a COVID-19 antigen or PCR test with negative result performed up to 72 hours before your access. Since documents will be verified, fans are asked to attend three hours in advance.

What is FastPass and how do I get it?

To reduce waiting times, the organization created this fast line. To access it, it is necessary to electronically register proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results on the creamedic.com.mx platform. However, the only negative tests that are valid here are those performed by the laboratories with which we have an agreement (Lapi, Chopo, Polab, Polanco, and Vianto).

If the test is performed in any other facility it is valid, but it is not valid to obtain the FastPass. By filling out the required fields you will obtain the FastPass that will allow you to access a special line where it will be assumed that your documents have already been verified and are valid.

Do I have to take a daily COVID-19 test?

The answer is no, but you must take into consideration that the results of your test are only valid for 72 hours after the test has been performed. If you take your test on Tuesday, November 2, it will only be valid until Friday, November 5, the day of the internship. If your test is taken on November 3, it will allow you access to the circuit until Saturday, November 6.

To attend all three days, a COVID test is recommended on Thursday, which with its 72 hours of result duration allows you to access Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, November 7. At the time of your access, you will be given a wristband, and depending on the color are the days you can enter the circuit.

What protective measures will be implemented by COVID-19?

The use of masks will be mandatory at all times. Before entering the circuit, the temperature of all attendees will be taken. Any person with a temperature higher than 37.5°C will not be allowed to enter the grandstands. In addition, antibacterial gel dispensers and hand-washing facilities will be installed along the circuit. It is important to emphasize that the organization is relying on the public to respect these rules for the good of all attendees.

Will I be able to pay with cash, credit, or debit card inside?

To reduce contact with money (coins or bills) a system called Cashless was put in place. Food and beverages can only be purchased through this card that can be recharged at various points in the circuit with cash or your debit or credit card. The card will cost 40 Mexican pesos (2 U.S. dollars) and there will be three collectible models. Any money that is not used can be refunded through the official website of the Mexico City Grand Prix. It is important to note that this system will not be used to pay for official team merchandise.

How can I get to the Mexico City Grand Prix?

There is no parking for the public inside the circuit and there are very few parking lots in the surrounding area. Ideally, you should arrive via the Metro system, on line 9, or by Taxi or platform transportation service. Regardless of which gate you arrive at, there is an internal shuttle service that runs along with the different accesses to the track.

What time can I enter the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez?

On all three days of the Mexico City Grand Prix, the gates will open at 08:00 hours. The closing time of the circuit will be informed as soon as possible.

Will I be able to access the podium ceremony at the Foro Sol (baseball stadium) as in other years?

The organization is still working on this issue to offer the best experience without putting the attendees at risk. This information will be provided during the event.

What time does the Mexico City GP 2021 start?

Practice on Friday, November 5 will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. local time and from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The third practice will be held at 11:00 hours on Saturday, November 6, the same day as qualifying which will be held at 14:00 hours. The race on Sunday, November 7 will start at 1:00 p.m. local time, although there will be several protocol activities on the track one hour before.

What has happened since the last Mexican GP race on Mexican soil?

The countdown for Formula 1 to return to Mexico has begun. The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez will once again host the Grand Circus 740 days later. The Covid-19 pandemic caused F1 not to visit Mexico in 2019, but the conditions in the country have allowed the Mexican capital to return to the calendar. With this in mind, here is everything that has happened over almost two years regarding the return of the top category.

Last race

October 27, 2019, was the last time the race was held with a win for Lewis Hamilton. With this result, the Englishman won his sixth world championship. The atmosphere at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez was that of a real party.

First infected in Mexico

On February 28, 2020, the first person infected with Covid-19 in Mexico was announced. This marked only the beginning of what has been experienced over the last few months in the country, with social and economic consequences for the country.

Autodromo becomes a hospital

Zoé Robledo, director of the Mexican Social Security Institute, announced on May 3 that the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is now a COVID hospital and for this purpose, the main square and paddock area had to be upgraded. This is how the facilities changed drivers and mechanics for health personnel, medical equipment, and patients. The hospital was maintained for 15 months. Last August 18, the COVID hospital inside the facilities ceased to operate and with that, work began to re-equip it to receive sporting and musical events.

Cancellation of the Mexico City Grand Prix

On July 24, 2020, the Grand Circus announced the schedule of the races held in October, all in Europe, and among these, it was announced the cancellation of the tour of America, which included the prizes of the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. "How I was looking forward to being in my country this year; so much support I get away from everyone. For now, the important thing is to get out of this and take care of ourselves, I know you are with me on every lap around the world!" wrote Mexican Sergio Perez, now a Red Bull driver on his Twitter account after the cancellation of the Grand Prix.

Presentation of the new calendar

With Mexico entering the second wave for COVID-19, the FIA and Formula 1 announced the races for 2021, and CDMX was included in the schedule for October 31, to respect the organizers' Day of the Dead theme, a fact that has led them to become the 'Best Event of the Season' for five consecutive years.

Full house expected at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez

With 3.68 million people infected with COVID-19, according to official figures, event organizers did not lose optimism about this year's race. On October 28, 2020, Rodrigo Sanchez, director of marketing and public relations for the Mexico City Grand Prix, acknowledged to ESPN Digital that they are hopeful of filling the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

Price increase

With a Grand Prix that was in doubt for 2021, the organizers decided to raise prices for this year and on 27 February announced that "this decision is because in the last six years the same ticket prices have been maintained for the event as a result of an effort by the promoters of the Mexican Grand Prix to reduce costs without sacrificing the best experience for F1 lovers". Prices for all fans were increased by an average of 15 percent. The brown zone suffered the most notorious modification, as its price increased by 20 percent (one thousand pesos).

Grand Prix in doubt

The celebration of this year's Mexico City Grand Prix became a recurring theme in the conferences of the Chief of Government, Claudia Sheinbaum, and also by the health authorities, who could not ensure the celebration of the race due to the increase of cases of COVID-19 in the country.

Sheinbaum tried to calm down on May 27 by assuring that "so far, we consider that it can be carried out. Without any problem." However, the rise in cases and the panorama presented caused Hugo López-Gatell, undersecretary of Prevention and Health Promotion, in July to put everything in doubt, as he pointed out that the necessary guarantees for the event could not be counted on.

"Regarding that, if that is an obstacle for the Formula 1 Grand Prix, yes, because (the hospital) is on the track, but I guess that will be commented on, as plans are established. At the moment, there is no vision that we could have green lights in October, therefore, the Grand Prix could not be held with the public," he said at a press conference.

Change of date for the Mexican Grand Prix

On August 28, Formula 1 announced that the Mexican Grand Prix suffered a change in the competition calendar and will be held from November 5 to 7, one week later than planned. This move was only one of several adjustments made for the current season.

"We are very pleased to receive confirmation from F1 to hold the Mexico GP. The new date gives us the certainty that we will have an event in 2021. Now, our main occupation will be to maintain the coordinated work with Mexico City authorities to guarantee a safe experience for all attendees," said Federico Gonzalez, General Director of Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix.

Protocols for the Mexico GP presented

On September 24, CIE, organizer of the event, announced the sanitary measures to be taken by fans who wish to attend the event, including vaccinations and tests. Fans will have two options to enter, the first one is to present the official document showing the application of the complete vaccination schedule (depending on the laboratory) and the second one is to take a PCR test, which must be performed only in the laboratories allowed and endorsed by the organizers.

Greenlight in Mexico City

Last October 18, Mexico City was included among the states with a green traffic light. This meant that all outdoor sporting events, including the Mexico City Grand Prix, can be held at 100 percent capacity. This has meant that the race will not only have full grandstands but is aiming to set a new attendance record since the grandstands along the racetrack have been expanded to accommodate more fans and thus eliminate the 1.5-meter distance between people.

F1 begins to arrive in the capital

This week all the material needed by the teams for the race began to arrive. Seven airplanes arrived in the country with the first tons of equipment.

Curious facts about the Mexican Grand Prix

The great celebration of Mexican motorsports has been held 21 different times and it has always been at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. It is the second most important sporting event in the country, the first being the Soccer World Cup. Mexico is the fourth country in the Americas that has hosted the most Grand Prix with 21; ahead of Canada with 56, the United States with 49, and Brazil with 47.

McLaren, Williams, and Lotus are the teams with the most victories in the Mexican Grand Prix, each with two. Motor racing legend Michael Schumacher achieved his first podium finish in Mexico in 1992. Jim Clark is the driver with the most wins in the land of tequila with 3 first places.

The driver with the fastest lap time in the Mexican Grand Prix is Charles Leclerc, with a time of 1 minute 19 seconds.  The Mexican Grand Prix has never been won by a Mexican driver. Currently, the only Aztec driver present in the highest category of motorsport is Checo Perez, who is the Mexican with the most races in F1.

Sources: Motorsport, ESPN, W