The Mexican Grand Prix: Why Has It Become Unattainable for Fans?

The Mexican Grand Prix has gained significant popularity in recent years, driven by the presence of Sergio Pérez at Red Bull and the global phenomenon of Drive to Survive. This combination has attracted a new generation of fans, which has greatly increased ticket demand.

The surge in demand has driven up prices, especially in the more accessible areas of the circuit, making them unattainable for a large portion of local fans. What was once a celebration of motorsport for the general public now seems reserved for those with greater economic means, leaving many Mexican fans out of the experience.

How Much Does It Really Cost to Attend the Mexican Grand Prix?

In 2024, the general minimum wage in Mexico is $248.93 MXN per day. Although wages may vary by region, this figure allows us to estimate how many working days it would take for an average worker to cover the ticket costs for the 2025 Mexican Grand Prix.

Section	Cost (MXN)	Days of Work Required
Grandstand 1	30,500	123 days
Grandstand 2	30,500	123 days
Grandstand 2A	3,900	16 days
Grandstand 3	13,100	53 days
Grandstand 3A	9,900	40 days
Grandstand 4	7,400	30 days
Grandstand 5	7,600	31 days
Grandstand 6	8,400	34 days
Grandstand 9	10,500	42 days
Grandstand 10	11,700	47 days
Grandstand 11	11,200	45 days
Foro Sol South	8,500	34 days
Foro Sol North	8,500	34 days

These calculations are approximate and assume that the person allocates their entire income to the ticket. In practice, this is not feasible as workers need to cover basic expenses such as food and housing. For many, attending the Mexican Grand Prix becomes out of reach.

Ticket Sales for the Mexican Grand Prix: An Obstacle for Fans

In addition to the ticket prices, many fans face the barrier of exclusive pre-sales, available only to customers of certain banks. Although some cheaper tickets are reserved for general sales, high demand means they sell out quickly, leaving many without the opportunity to buy tickets at accessible prices.

Those who cannot access the pre-sale are at a disadvantage from the start. Even if they wait for the general sale, the competition for the cheapest tickets is intense. This has led many to resort to resellers, where prices are often significantly higher, further complicating the possibility of attending for fans with limited budgets.

The Cost of Accommodation and Other Expenses at the Mexican Grand Prix

In addition to ticket prices, other significant expenses include accommodation in Mexico City, which spikes during the Grand Prix weekend. Many hotels triple their usual rates, making the total cost of attending the event prohibitive. Fans also need to consider transportation, food, and other related costs, turning the Mexican Grand Prix into a luxury that few can afford.

Cost Comparison: Mexican Grand Prix vs. United States

Traveling to another country, such as the United States or Canada, to attend a Formula 1 race might seem like a viable alternative for some Mexican fans, but it is not realistic for most. Besides the ticket, travel expenses, accommodation, and food quickly add up. Additionally, the requirement for a visa to enter the United States becomes another barrier for many.

Formula 1 Ticket Costs: Comparing the Mexican Grand Prix and Texas

It is true that salaries are higher in the United States, but even so, the relative cost of tickets is significant. A fast-food worker in Texas, earning between $10 and $12 USD per hour at places like McDonald's, would need to work between 3 and 4 days to cover the cost of a general admission ticket for the three days of the Grand Prix of Austin, which costs approximately $354 USD.

In contrast, in Mexico, a minimum wage worker would need to work more than 16 days to pay for the cheapest ticket to the Mexican Grand Prix (Grandstand 2A) and more than 120 days for the most expensive seats. Although incomes in the United States are higher, the ratio between workdays and ticket costs is much more favorable for American fans than for those in Mexico.

Additionally, at the Grand Prix of Austin, general admission tickets allow fans to move around different areas of the circuit during the weekend, enhancing the experience as spectators can watch the race from various points. In contrast, at the Mexican Grand Prix, tickets are assigned to a fixed seat for the entire event, limiting the flexibility of the spectator and preventing exploration of other circuit views.

Sprint Races: An Accessible Solution for the Mexican Grand Prix

A possible solution to allow more Mexican fans to attend the Mexican Grand Prix would be the implementation of a sprint race, as already done in other Grand Prix events throughout the season. This format offers a short race on Saturday, preceding the main Grand Prix on Sunday, and could be a much more affordable option for fans who cannot pay for full weekend tickets.

If more affordable tickets were offered for the sprint race, it would allow a larger number of followers, especially those with limited budgets, to enjoy the Formula 1 experience live. Additionally, the sprint race has already proven to be competitive, so the quality of the event would not be compromised.

This could be an effective way to include fans who are currently excluded due to the high costs of the Mexican Grand Prix, offering an alternative that remains part of the event but at a more accessible price.