The Mexican Grand Prix’s future is under threat as the new Government is not keen to use public funds to support racing.
Since returning to the series in 2015, the race has won ‘The Best Promoter of the Year’ award every year.
The track is a favourite among fans and drivers’ alike and the event has a carnival-like feel. The post-race ceremony at the former home of the Diablos Rojos del Mexico squad and the track running through the disused Foro Sol baseball stadium has earned a lot of praise for bringing the sport closer to the fans.
The city will also host the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and an annual Race of Champions (RoC) event. Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel is expected to attend the RoC.
Despite the popularity of the grand prix, the future of the series is under threat for beyond 2019. The current contract ensures the Mexican GP will happen next year. But the future of the race hangs in the balance since the Mexican government said they will not support an extension.
Mexico’s new national president Andes Manuel Lopez Obrador is on an austerity drive and has already announced the government will sell off the presidential plane to raise money.
He is also keen to save money by putting an end to Grand Prix funded by the taxpayers.
Ana Gabriela Guevara of the National Sports Commission of Mexico made the government’s stand clear last week.
She said: “We need to find out how we can solve this situation. But it is not the intention that tax money will be released to keep this event in.
“In Mexico, there are worse things going on as a large part of the population lives below the poverty line.
“The corruption in this country has caused the Grand Prix to return to Mexico,” the former athlete added. “A lot of bribes were paid to bring this event to the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.”
