Mexico’s Peraltada corner renamed after Nigel Mansell

Mexico City track

The organizers of the Mexican Grand Prix have renamed the most famous corner at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez after Nigel Mansell.

The 1992 world champion performed one of Formula One’s most celebrated overtaking moves at the corner while driving for Ferrari in 1990, by overtaking Gerhard Berger’s McLaren on the outside of the high-speed 180-degree corner.

The bend has been truncated for F1’s return to the venue this year due to a lack of run-off space. It will now have a new name to go with its new configuration: the Nigel Mansell Turn.

Mexican Grand Prix promoters Corporation Interamericana de Entretenimiento said in a statement: “As he became world famous for his brave and fearless style of racing, the Formula 1 Gran Premio de Mexico organizers couldn’t think of a more appropriate section of the 4.3km track to name after the British racing icon".

“I have extremely fond memories of racing in Mexico City," said Mansell. “The people, the energy and the track itself were all highlights of the F1 calendar back then for me."

“When I found out about the turn naming of course I was delighted. Flattered, proud and delighted in equal measure."

“The news instantly brought to mind my unexpected overtaking maneuver on Gerhard Berger actually on the old Peraltada section to come in second behind my Ferrari team mate Alain Prost back in 1990 – I can’t believe that was 25 years ago and that it’s been 23 years since my last win at the track. I’ve carefully observed what the organizers have been doing and I’m really looking forward to seeing it for myself a little later this year."