Perez fears “50 year” absence of Mexico F1 race if dropped
Sergio Perez fears his home country would have to wait up to “50 years” to regain the Mexican Grand Prix’s spot on the Formula 1 calendar if it was dropped.
The future of the race at the Hermanos Autodromo Rodriquez race has been cast into doubt after the Mexican president suggested funding from the event could be cut in order to pay for a new railway project.
Sergio Perez fears his home country would have to wait up to “50 years” to regain the Mexican Grand Prix’s spot on the Formula 1 calendar if it was dropped.
The future of the race at the Hermanos Autodromo Rodriquez race has been cast into doubt after the Mexican president suggested funding from the event could be cut in order to pay for a new railway project.
Mexico returned to the F1 calendar after a 23-year absence in 2015 and has proven a popular addition, with circuit organisers currently in negations with Liberty Media over a fresh deal upon the expiration of its current contract which runs out at the end of 2019.
“It’s not looking great,” Perez admitted when asked about the future of the Mexican GP.
“I really hope that we can get some good news later on. I think it’s very important for our country, it’s a great place for Formula 1 - the last four races they have been a great venue. So I hope we can keep it.
“There are so many countries out there that want a Grand Prix, so once you lose your venue I think it’s very hard to get it back for many years.
“It cost us so much to get, but now if we lose the place I think probably that will be the end.
“We will have to wait another thirty, fifty years to get it back, and I think it’s a great exposure for your country to have a Grand Prix. So it would be a shame if we lose the Mexican Grand Prix.”
Asked if he had spoken to key people in Mexico such as his personal sponsor Carlos Slim, Perez responded: “I’m in contact with all of them.
“More as a Mexican to be honest, because as a Mexican I really want my country to be seen all around the world to show how good Mexico is. And I think F1 offers you that platform.”
But Perez conceded he is unsure if additional funding can be found.
“I have no idea on that,” he said. “I’m not in charge on that and to be honest I don’t really know.
“I guess it’s hard because all the benefit is done for the government so I don’t know if it’s possible to do it another way.”
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