In demand: How the Mexico GP sold out despite Sergio Perez’s absence

Mexico GP sells out for its 10th anniversary despite Sergio "Checo" Perez's absence, indicating the event's pull goes beyond a single driver. Betting implication: punters should be cautious valuing home advantage heavily this year — favour team and form markets over Mexico-specific props. Perez's confirmed return next season, however, could shorten his odds for Mexico-focused bets.

Mexico City Grand Prix Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Another Sellout

The Mexico City Grand Prix at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez marked its 10th anniversary with a packed house, dispelling fears that Sergio "Checo" Perez's absence would dent demand. Organisers expect more than 400,000 fans across the race weekend, maintaining the event's festival atmosphere and reinforcing its status as a staple on the F1 calendar.

Ticket Sales Held Strong Despite Uncertainty Around Perez

CIE CEO Alejandro Soberon Kuri said the event faced uncertainty because of Perez's form and future at the end of last year, but ticketing momentum proved resilient. "It was an interesting year for us because of the absence of Checo, who is very much loved by the Mexican fans," he said. "Maybe the only change this year was the pacing of the ticket sales. It was 90 percent sold at the beginning, and then smoothly reached sold-out status."

Audience Strategy: Local, National and International Balance

Event managing director Federico Gonzalez Compean outlined a deliberate marketing split to reduce dependence on any single segment: roughly a third of tickets aimed at Mexico City residents, a third at nationwide fans, and a third at international visitors. "The Mexico City market alone could eat all the tickets of the grand prix, but we really focus on not permitting that," he said. The strategy has broadened the fan base, bringing in more women, younger supporters, and overseas travellers.

International Growth and New Fan Bases

Promoters report growing interest from neighbouring countries and shifting international patterns. The arrival of drivers such as Franco Colapinto has attracted more Argentinian flags, while targeted outreach has drawn Canadian fans who may be less inclined to travel to US events. "We see a few more Canadian flags and we're very happy to have them all here," Gonzalez said.

Checo's Return and Manufacturer Momentum

Organisers welcomed the news of Perez's return to the grid next year with Cadillac, seeing it as a boost for local engagement. Gonzalez confirmed new hospitality plans for Cadillac and noted ongoing conversations with Audi, calling the arrivals a potential benefit for fan connection with manufacturer entries. Soberon added that a General Motors-backed team could become "very loved by Mexican fans" over time.

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Investment and Contract Outlook

CIE says it will continue investing in the 4.4km circuit and plans to open discussions early next year about extending the current contract, which runs to 2028. "We're very happy that we are on the calendar until 2028 already," Soberon said, adding that organisers aim to plan three to five years ahead to secure the race's long-term economic impact.

What This Means for Bettors

The sellout despite Perez's absence suggests the Mexican crowd alone may not swing race markets as strongly as assumed. Bettors should prioritise driver and team form, circuit characteristics and qualifying performance over home-support narratives. Expect Perez's confirmed comeback and the involvement of major manufacturers to reintroduce stronger Mexico-specific betting interest in the 2026 season and beyond.

The Formula 1 Mexico Grand Prix is celebrating its 10th anniversary with another sellout crowd, proving fears of the impact of Sergio Perez's absence were overblown.The Mexico City race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez has swiftly turned into an F1 staple, boosted by national fervour to support home hero Perez as he turned into a multiple grand prix winner in his 30s.But even the ...Keep reading

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