Drivers ecstatic over Mexican GP atmosphere

The Mexican Grand Prix may have taken a 23-year leave of absence from the Formula 1 calendar but the event's overwhelming success last weekend made it felt as if it had never left.

From the first day the F1 community set foot at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez venue to its departure on Sunday, the local fervor and support was immense.

But the ambiance and passion which prevailed during the podium ceremony among the 50.000-plus crowd packed in the stadium was truly incredible.

"I've never experienced anything like it," said the day's victor Nico Rosberg. "There is so much passion out there. This is such a great event and I can't wait to come back!"

All weekend, Sergio Perez's Mercedes engine was drowned out by the wonderfully clamorous crowd, the climax of which was when Carlos Sainz yielded a spot to the Mexican in the stadium during the race, the crowds mistaking the pass for a dominant overtaking maneuver by Checo, their hero.

But Perez was happy to play along: "This will undoubtedly remain one of the greatest days of my life," confided the Mexican. "The drivers' parade lap before the race was the most special lap of my career. It was a tough race, but the atmosphere from the fans will stay with me forever."

Future Haas Team F1 driver Romain Grosjean didn't really know what to expect before heading to Mexico but he came away thoroughly impressed.

"The slowing down lap after the race was incredible," said the Frenchman. "There were so many people and you could hear the thundering crowds from inside the car. It was incredible, and such a great pleasure to see."

As the master of the podium ceremony, our own Nigel Mansell, who now has an entire corner of the Hermanos Rodriguez track named after him, experienced the massive crowd support first hand.

"It was such an incredible event, and being up there on the podium and chanting with the fans was truly incredible. It was so great to share the excitement, there's so much history here I'm not surprised by the turnout and the passion."

There's no doubt Grand Prix racing now enjoys a new lease of life in Mexico, and one which will last for a very long time.

REPORT: Rosberg holds off Hamilton in Mexican GP as Vettel crashes

Mexican Grand Prix - Driver ratings

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