Popocatepetl volcano erupts 75km from Mexico GP circuit
The Popocatepetl volcano sent a 2,500-metre ash cloud northward just days before the 2015 Mexican Grand Prix at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
A volcanic eruption at Popocatepetl, located about 75 kilometres from Mexico City's Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, sent a large ash plume into the air days before the 2015 Formula One Mexican Grand Prix. The Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reported that the eruption produced a cloud of ash reaching 2,500 metres, moving northward away from the volcano.
The timing of the eruption drew attention in the F1 paddock, as organisers prepared for the return of the Mexican Grand Prix after a 23-year absence. The ash cloud did not move directly toward the city, but its presence added to concerns about weather and air quality in the region. The previous week, Hurricane Patricia had already disrupted travel and logistics in Mexico, and forecasts suggested a risk of heavy rain during the race weekend, particularly for qualifying.
Impact on Formula One and local logistics
While there were no immediate reports of disruption to the event schedule, the combination of volcanic ash and potential rain posed challenges for teams, transport operators and spectators. Organisers monitored air conditions and weather forecasts closely, with contingency plans in place for both ash and rain. Teams arriving in Mexico had to consider the possibility of flight delays or changes in circuit conditions due to the volcanic activity.
