How did Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez get its name?

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The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is the home of the Mexican Grand Prix and will host the race once again this weekend

The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez also known as the Mexico City circuit t was opened 62 years ago in 1959. It is an FIA Grade 1 circuit with a maximum crowd capacity of 1,10,000. The circuit got its name (Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez) shortly after it opened when Ricardo Rodríguez died in practice for the non-Championship 1962 Mexican Grand Prix. Ricardo’s brother Pedro was also killed behind the wheel nine years later. The circuit has been featured on the F1 calendar regularly since 2015.

F1 Mexican GP weather
How did Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez get its name? 4

The Mexican GP was first held in 1962 but it was a non-championship event. It was officially a part of the F1 World Championship from 1963. The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez has been the permanent home of this GP since its inception. Initially known as the Magdalena-Mixhuca track, it was renamed to Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in honour of Ricardo after his tragic accident in 1962.

15 A LOS HERMANOS RODRIGUEZ
Credits: Motorsports

Who are the most successful drivers at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez?

Jim Clark and Max Verstappen are the joint-most successful drivers in the history of the Mexican Grand Prix, having won six titles each. Lotus are the most successful constructors, having registered four wins in this GP. Valtteri Bottas’ lap timing of 1:17.774, while driving a Mercedes W12 in the 2021 Mexican Grand Prix is the official race lap record at this GP.

When it comes to the current grid, besides Verstappen, only Lewis Hamilton has tasted success at this circuit. Verstappen has won it thrice – 2017, 2018 and 2021 while Hamilton has won it twice – 2016, 2019. In the last edition of this Grand Prix in 2021, Bottas took pole position but failed to register a podium finish. Verstappen won the race with Hamilton and Perez finishing second and third, respectively.

Max Verstappen
How did Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez get its name? 5

Besides Clark and Verstappen, Alain Prost and Nigel Mansell has won this GP twice each. For the current grid, besides Verstappen, only Lewis Hamilton has tasted success at this circuit. Verstappen has won it thrice – 2017, 2018 and 2021 while Hamilton has won it twice – 2016, 2019.

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