The prospect of the NTT IndyCar Series racing in Mexico has received a fresh boost, as Penske Entertainment and the Mexico City Grand Prix promoter have confirmed plans to resume discussions in early 2025. The objective? To bring the popular American open-wheel series south of the border, with Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward — an undisputed fan favorite in Mexico — as the event’s central figure.
The Mexican driver drew significant support last weekend at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, where he took part in Free Practice 1, piloting the McLaren MCL38-Mercedes in place of Lando Norris. His overwhelming fanfare underscored his rising influence and appeal among Mexican motorsport fans, and the event showcased what an IndyCar race featuring O’Ward could mean for the series’ exposure in Mexico.
While previous talks suggested that IndyCar might struggle to draw substantial local support, the dynamic is rapidly changing. With Red Bull F1 driver and Mexican superstar Sergio Perez likely approaching the twilight of his F1 career, a high-profile IndyCar event starring O’Ward could help fill the gap and elevate the series’ footprint in the Mexican market.
“Discussions regarding an IndyCar race in Mexico City have been positive and we look forward to continuing the conversation,” a Penske Entertainment spokesperson shared.
The potential return of IndyCar to Mexico would mark a significant chapter in the series’ history, which last raced in the country in 2007 when the now-defunct Champ Car World Series held its final Mexican race — an event won by Sebastien Bourdais, who also clinched his fourth consecutive championship that day.
The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez has become a celebrated stop on the F1 calendar since 2015, drawing one of the largest crowds each season. As F1’s current contract with the Mexico City promoter is set to expire after 2025, future negotiations with F1 could impact the feasibility of bringing IndyCar to Mexico City in subsequent years. However, with strong local enthusiasm and a national hero in Pato O’Ward, Mexico might soon welcome IndyCar back to its iconic racing landscape, creating a new motorsport spectacle for fans and adding another layer to O’Ward’s burgeoning legacy.
