Penske Leisure and the promoter of the Mexico Metropolis Grand Prix intend to re-engage early in 2025 to debate the opportunity of bringing the NTT IndyCar Collection to the house nation of its hottest driver, Pato O’Ward.
The Arrow McLaren star, who was overwhelmed with assist from adoring followers final weekend (pictured above) at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez as he took half in Free Observe 1 within the McLaren MCL38-Mercedes usually piloted by Lando Norris, could be the principle attraction for a Mexican IndyCar occasion.
Talks have been held prior to now, which led to options O’Ward lacked the star energy to attract a significant crowd and no agreements being fashioned. However with O’Ward’s ongoing spike in followers, and the prospect of Pink Bull Formulation 1 driver and nationwide hero Sergio Perez nearing the tip of his grand prix profession, an IndyCar occasion with O’Ward because the centerpiece may gain advantage the collection and promoter in new and compelling methods.
“Discussions relating to an IndyCar race in Mexico Metropolis have been constructive and we look ahead to persevering with the dialog,” a Penske Leisure spokesperson informed RACER of its curiosity to host a race in 2026. “Pato’s presence this previous weekend underscores the extreme curiosity from followers and the large and nonetheless rising star energy he brings ahead.”
American open-wheel racing paid its final go to to Mexico in 2007 with the previous Champ Automobile World Collection — Sebastien Bourdais received the race and celebrated his fourth consecutive CCWS title in what would show to be the collection’ last season. NASCAR additionally raced at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez within the 2000s and is about to return in 2025 with its premier Cup Collection.
After a protracted absence, F1 has been the marquee collection on the revised circuit since 2015 and brings one of many collection’ largest crowds on the calendar. F1 has yet another race on its contract with the promoter earlier than a brand new settlement to proceed in 2026 and past shall be required. Whether or not these negotiations to proceed with F1 would intrude with courting and welcoming one other vital open-wheel collection in IndyCar is unclear.
