IndyCar has been in dialogue with Mexico City officials since last year over the possibility of adding a race to its 2026 calendar. Interest in the Mexican venue comes as the series looks to expand its footprint, but recent reports suggest complications tied to F1 interference in IndyCar Mexico negotiations may be delaying progress.
Following NASCAR’s successful entry into the Mexican market, which briefly limited IndyCar’s chances, Penske officials have continued to work toward securing a deal with Mexico City race organizers. However, IndyCar insiders and reporters including Nathan Brown and Kevin Lee have highlighted potential obstacles linked to Liberty Media’s involvement in the local promoter’s company.
Financial Demands from Mexico City Promoter Have Increased
Initial discussions saw Mexico City promoter OCESA requesting a track fee in the range of $1 million to $1.5 million. Recently, this ask has doubled, with an added clause demanding 12% of ticket sales revenue. These changes are believed to have extended negotiation timelines significantly, complicating IndyCar’s efforts to finalize the race agreement.
During the same period, an entertainment company called Live Nation raised its ownership stake in OCESA from 51% to 75%. Since Live Nation is owned by Liberty Media, which also controls the Formula One Group, questions have emerged about how this shift might be affecting IndyCar’s prospects in Mexico City.
Industry Experts Highlight Liberty Media’s Possible Impact on IndyCar Plans
FOX reporter Kevin Lee addressed these issues on the Trackside podcast, explaining the potential reasons behind Liberty Media’s involvement in stalling IndyCar’s race plans. He stated,
“So you already were dealing with a track that Formula One is their biggest event and now Formula One has a big stake in it. I don’t think they really want IndyCar to do well. I don’t think they really want fans in Mexico City to find another option that might be a third or a fourth of the price and might have a Mexican driver that has a great chance of winning the race, unlike F1.” —Kevin Lee, FOX Reporter
Penske Remains Optimistic About Securing the 2026 Mexico City Race
Despite the hurdles, Penske Entertainment officials conveyed confidence about bringing IndyCar to Mexico City in 2026. An IndyStar interview with a Penske representative confirmed,
“We’re very confident we’ll race in Mexico City in 2026” —Penske Official
IndyCar representatives recently visited Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez to assess the track and strengthen plans for the upcoming season. Strategy discussions include leveraging the Southern US races to streamline travel logistics, positioning Mexico City as a nearby follow-up event.
The Implications of Delayed Negotiations on IndyCar’s Expansion
The ongoing delays in securing a Mexico City race highlight the complicated interplay between competing racing series and media ownership interests. Liberty Media’s expanded control over local promoters introduces a layer of influence that may restrict IndyCar’s growth in key international markets. For IndyCar, overcoming these challenges will be crucial to expanding its presence and offering fans more diverse racing opportunities.
How negotiations conclude will shape the 2026 IndyCar calendar and its geographic reach. Continuing conversations between IndyCar, Penske, and Mexico City officials remain vital to resolving outstanding issues and ensuring the series can successfully add the race to its lineup.