In Reforma, Lilmister P suggests heading to Cantina Salón Ríos near the Angel of Independence. A modernized take on the classic Mexican cantina, it features an extensive cocktail menu, plus large televisions that are ideal for catching any exciting overtakes. To fuel up for the long afternoon, order the Molcajete Caliente: a stew-like mix of grilled arrachera, queso panela, nopales, chistorra (Spanish chorizo), and chile pasilla salsa, with a side of fresh corn and flour tortillas plus volcanes—a crunchy, tostada-like tortilla.
For the truly voracious, plan a post-race pit stop at Charly’s Alitas y Postres, a sidewalk stand on José María Roa Bárcenas 46 in Colonia Obrera that slings a rare Christmas-style taco topped with pork loin, tamarind salsa, and a Mexican holiday spaghetti prepared with orange juice and white wine.
What to do
Cadillac’s Pérez recommends tacking on a couple extra days to the weekend. “Honestly, two days will never be enough,” he says. “Mexico City is such a huge, diverse place that even locals keep discovering new things all year long.
There’s plenty to do over the weekend if you’re not glued to a stadium seat, including F1 watch parties and DJ events. Soho House Mexico City will host a Sunday race screening with a full brunch menu and a Patron-sponsored poolside after-party. Polanco’s Casa Imperial—inspired by the luxury of Porfirian-era salons and historic Mexican brasseries of the late 19th century—is known to transform into an F1 hub on race day while also offering a seven-course tasting menu. For a more international vibe, Pinche Gringo BBQ, an American-owned barbecue mainstay with two locations in the city, tends to get lively for large sporting events.
Since the Grand Prix coincidences with Mexico’s Día de Muertos holiday, Paseo de la Reforma will be decorated with over 300 giant alebrijes—mythical creatures that are believed to be spiritual guides in the afterlife—made by local artisans as part of an annual parade organized by Museo de Arte Popular.
“The ambiance in Mexico City is crazy,” del Bosque says. “You will feel the connection with the fans. We have our driver, and people go to support him and to celebrate and have fun. Free tequila, that kind of thing.”
“That’s what I like about traveling for F1,” he adds. “You get to experience other cultures and people.” For a few days, “you get to be part of a big family.”
