One of Mexico's most famous athletes, Red Bull driver Sergio Pérez, takes us through the must-see places in the capital ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix.

For Sergio “Checo” PerezHer victory was particularly sweet. Although he was born and raised in Guadalajara, Pérez is considered the most successful Grand Prix driver in Mexican history made him a popular figure across the country.

Growing up, Pérez told BBC Travel that Formula 1 was not very popular in Mexico: “Normal people had no idea what Formula 1 was. Even on TV it was really difficult to find her.” Since his father Antonio Perez Garibaywas a stock car racer who competed in the Nascar In the Mexico Series, Pérez came into contact with motorsport at a young age. “I grew up with motorsport in my blood,” he says. “My goal was actually IndyCar growing up. Formula 1 seemed too far away. It was never clear whether I would get the chance.”

Pérez's karting performances in Mexico and then the United States took his budding career to Europe, and after he shined in Formula 3 and others GP2 He was asked by Formula 1 teams. Since his debut he has been helped Formula 1 grow exponentially in Mexico. “The atmosphere in Mexico now is incredible,” he says. “People are following it a lot. The interest in Mexico is simply huge.”

But although his Formula 1 travels mean he can't spend as much time in Mexico City as he would like, he knows exactly where to go when he returns each year for the Grand Prix (October 27, 2024). “It’s such a unique and cosmopolitan city,” he says, who lives in Puerto Vallarta between races. “There are so many nationalities, the quality of the food is incredible, there are good clubs, nice people, nice museums, there is a lot of sport to watch. It’s a city that has everything.”

Here are Pérez's recommendations for enjoying Mexico City – on Formula 1 weekend and beyond.

The most famous Mexican dish is undoubtedly the taco. A hand-sized tortilla filled with beef, pork, chicken, seafood, or vegetables that can be eaten in just a few bites. Associated with the land for centuries, tacos grew in popularity among Mexican miners in the 18th century because they were so easy to make and sell. Whenever Pérez is in Mexico City, his favorite place to go is taco places El Fogoncitoa casual and stylish taqueria with two locations nearby Chapultepec Parkthe largest and oldest urban area in Latin America.

“El Fogoncito is a really nice taco shop that I used to go to a lot,” Pérez says. “I will order this gringa (pork shoulder and cheese) and El Pastor (marinated pork) tacos. Their quesadillas are really nice too. Everything is really good.

If you're looking for other dishes to enjoy in the city, Pérez recommends enchiladas (large rolled tortillas filled with spicy meat and topped with melted cheese) and pollo con moleChicken braised in cocoa-rich mole sauce.

Built in 1785, Chapultepec Castle served as a military academy, observatory, imperial residence and home of every president until it became the National Museum of History in February 1939. Pérez always feels transported when he visits the structure, located in the heart of Chapultepec Park overlooking majestic greenery. “It’s like jumping back in time,” he says. “It’s really nice to be surrounded by so much history. Visitors visiting Mexico City for the first time must visit Chapultepec Castle.”

Visitors who want to delve deeper into the history of the castle can book a guided tour of the park and the castle for a fee. Walk through the magnificent 18th-century carriage hall to the Art Nouveau introduction room and on to the royal games room and luxurious red velvet-lined smoking room, where you'll get a glimpse of Mexico's noble past.

When Pérez is in Mexico, one of his favorite things to do is watch his lover Club America. Pérez believes every football fan should pay a visit Aztec Stadiumwhere Club America plays its home games.

One of the most famous football stadiums in the world, Estadio Azteca hosted two World Cup finals, won by Brazil and Argentina respectively. It was also the site of Italy's semi-final loss to Germany in 1970, known as the “Game of the Century”, and Diego Maradona scored both goals Hand of God and Goal of the Century against England in 1986.

“Estadio Azteca is one of the largest stadiums in the world,” says Pérez. “The atmosphere is incredible. I also take my son with me when I go back to a Club America game. It's just a great experience. You can eat tacos while watching the game. A nice tequila. Besides, people are like that.” Friendly match in Mexico. It's such a great stadium to go to.

While Pérez admits his Formula 1 career makes it harder to get to games, he usually comes back every November or December, especially when the team “reaches a final.” Football is also a great icebreaker between Formula 1 teams: “Many people in the paddock are involved in football. It's very rare that people don't like him. We talk all the time about what’s going on with it.”

website: www.estadioazteca.com.mx/

address: Calz. de Tlalpan 3465, Sta. Ursula Coapa, Coyoacan, 04650 Ciudad de Mexico, CDMX

Telephone number: +52 55 5487 3215

Instagram: @estadioaztecaoficial

Pérez's favorite area to explore in Mexico City is Polancowhere he often eats ice cream with the family or goes shopping. Located just north of Chapultepec Park, the neighborhood is one of the most upscale parts of the city; Pérez points out that there are numerous luxury shopping centers with many high-end stores. “There are so many places there that are within walking distance of each other.”

Polanco is also home to the Museo SoumayaPérez's favorite museum in Mexico City: “It is one of the largest and most important museums in Mexico and has all the art Slim family.” These include sculptures from pre-Hispanic Mesoamerica, Mexican art from the last 250 years and works by Auguste Rodin, Salvador Dalí and Bartolomé Esteban Murillo.

After you've absorbed the culture and Polanco's unique blend of Californian, wooden and contemporary architectural styles, there are also a number of fine-dining restaurants, bars and clubs to enjoy. Pérez's favorite drink is Patron Silver Tequila, but he is also a fan of it Paloma margaritas.

“There are so many clubs in Polanco to recommend,” he says. “Red Bull always does really nice after parties,” last year’s soirée took place at Lecture hall Blackberry in the heart of Roma, a neighborhood west of the historic city center. When it comes to deciding where to party after the Mexican Grand Prix, Pérez faces the same dilemma every year: “The problem is that there are too many parties in Mexico City on Sunday evenings.”

Mexico City may be one of the most vibrant and fascinating cities in the world, but Pérez says there are also a number of “really beautiful places to visit and visit outside of the city.” His favorite is Valley of Bravois located two hours southwest of Mexico City on the shores of Lake Avandaro. “This is a really, really beautiful place. It's full of trees, by the water, but also in the middle of nowhere.” Valle de Bravo is a 16th-century Spanish colonial town with cobblestone streets full of modern boutiques, galleries and restaurants – nicknamed the “Switzerland of Mexico” because of its idyllic pine and lake setting. designated.

As an avid golfer, Pérez mostly spends his free time visiting one of Mexico's many renowned golf courses. “I love golf. I haven't played in Mexico City yet. But I know there are some great golf courses there. I would recommend golfing on the beach. There are some really cool places, like New Nayarit , Punta Mita and even in Cabo. There are tons of great golf courses around Mexico.”

BBC Travel's The SpeciaList is a series of travel guides to popular and emerging destinations around the world, seen through the eyes of local experts and tastemakers.