IndyCar Series Eyes 2026 Race in Mexico City
The IndyCar Series is making significant strides in negotiations to add the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City to its calendar, with official discussions indicating a potential race in 2026. Penske Entertainment has been in talks with the venue for nearly a decade, and recent communications reflect a positive outlook for incorporation into the series schedule.
A Penske representative stated, “Conversations continue to be positive, and it’s certainly a place we want to be.” Initial discussions suggest a March date for the event, complementing the series’ 2026 schedule which opens with the St. Petersburg race from February 27 to March 1, followed by a new event, the Arlington Grand Prix, on March 13-15.
IndyCar’s potential return to Mexico marks a pivotal moment; the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is already home to Formula E and NASCAR’s Viva Mexico 250, with Formula 1 slated for October. This would provide the high-altitude venue with its fourth major international racing event.
Key drivers Pato O’Ward of Arrow McLaren, a Monterrey native, and reigning three-time champion Alex Palou, are expected to lead promotional efforts, particularly in Spanish-language outreach. However, the involvement of additional Latin American or Spanish drivers for special appearances remains uncertain.
This proposed race would be notable as it would mark IndyCar’s first visit to Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, distinguishing it from previous iterations of the series that competed in Mexico under the CART and Champ Car banners. Since the formation of the Indy Racing League in 1996, followed by the rebranding to IndyCar Series in 2005, the series has primarily raced in the United States, aside from the Toronto Grand Prix.
The last IndyCar race outside the U.S. occurred in 2013 in Brazil. A return to Mexico City would not only revive historical ties but also re-establish an important market for the series. Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez has hosted major racing events since 1980, with Rick Mears securing early victories for Penske Racing.
As IndyCar approaches this potential milestone, the implications for both the series and the Mexican motorsports landscape are profound, promising increased engagement and visibility in the region.
