Mexico's F1 secret: 400,000 fans come, even without Perez

(Motorsport-Total.com) - The Formula 1 Mexican Grand Prix celebrated its tenth anniversary with another sold-out crowd, proving how exaggerated the fears that Sergio Perez would no longer be part of the premier-class field were. The fans came anyway, and for good reason.

The race in Mexico City at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez has quickly become a fixture in Formula 1, driven by national enthusiasm for local hero Perez, who became a multiple Grand Prix winner in his 30s.

But even the Guadalajara-born driver's absence doesn't seem to have dampened the race's festival atmosphere or significantly impacted ticket sales. When Perez was dropped by Red Bull late last year, ticket sales had already reached 90 percent, but the remaining contingent continued to sell out steadily, drawing more than 400,000 fans over the weekend . To be exact, 401,326.

The Checo Factor

"It was an interesting year for us because of the absence of Checo, who is very loved by the Mexican fans," said Alejandro Soberon Kuri, managing director of racing promoter CIE.

"There was a lot of uncertainty about whether Checo would stay, and he didn't have a great season, which had a lot of people wondering. Perhaps the only change this year was the pace of ticket sales. We started with 90 percent sold, and then it smoothly reached sold-out status."

Federico Gonzalez Compean, the race's executive director, added: "Mexican fans are very direct. If they don't feel like coming, they'll call you to let you know and ask for a refund. Not a single one [did that]."

Mexicans are Formula 1 fans

"I think the race is very, very deeply rooted in the hearts of Mexican fans, and the government is also very keen to continue supporting it."

Mexico's continued success is partly a byproduct of the growth and diversification of Formula 1 as a whole, but promoters have also deliberately focused their marketing efforts on a three-pronged approach: local fans from the capital, nationwide customers, and overseas travelers. This has made them less dependent on individual segments and boosted the tourism sector.

"I think the evolution of the audience since 2015 has changed a lot," Gonzalez explained. "We've spent ten years learning how to evolve from [just] the hardcore fans to 'Drive to Survive' or now the Formula 1 movie."

International audience

"We're aiming for 33 percent Mexico City visitors, 33 percent Mexico [national] visitors, and 33 percent international visitors. The Mexico City market alone could buy all the Grand Prix tickets, but we're really focused on not allowing that to happen."

Soberon added: "The Mexican market in general has grown tremendously over the past five years. In the entertainment part of our business, the number of tickets sold in the country has almost tripled. Today, Mexico is probably among the top three or four entertainment countries in the world in terms of ticket volume sold and performance."

"Shakira just played twelve nights in this stadium, sold out stadiums, and she could have sold five more. She sold 1.2 million tickets in the country."

More fans from Canada and Argentina

As part of the international segment, the event has welcomed more Argentine fans following the rise of Franco Colapinto. Promoters also say they have successfully appealed to Canadian fans, who have become more hesitant to attend U.S. races given the current political tensions between the two countries.

"We're seeing a few more Canadian flags and are very happy to have them all here," Gonzalez said. "The market is growing and changing; we're seeing more women and [younger fans] buying tickets."

But while this year's ticket success, despite Perez's absence, has given the event confidence that it can also succeed on its own, Soberon and Gonzalez are naturally delighted that the 35-year-old will return to the grid next year with newcomer Cadillac.

Perez returns - a blessing

"After all, we have a new suite for Cadillac next year. And there are already discussions with Audi, so it will be an advantage," Gonzalez revealed.

Soberon added: "It will take some time, but it will be good to have a General Motors team; I think it will be very big. They will become very popular with the Mexican fans."

CIE promises to "continue to invest" in the 4.4-kilometer line. Talks are expected to begin next year to extend the current contract, which expires in 2028.

"We're very happy that we're already on the calendar until 2028," said Soberon. "We all promised each other that we would talk about the longer-term future early next year. We always try to be three to five years ahead. I think Mexico City is a really good stop for F1, and it's a commercial success."