A Mexican official has refuted a report in which she was quoted as saying bribery had been responsible for bringing Formula 1 back to the country in 2015.
With a new government in control in the country, Ana Gabriela Guevara, the head of Mexico’s Sports Commission, appeared to put the future of the Grand Prix at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez into doubt citing the cost to the taxpayer.
However, she rejected the biggest claim made, which French publication AutoHebdo has also now retracted pointing to an unreliable source, that a shady deal had been done.
“I do not know who wrote those words and who put them out there,” she told RACER.
“I did not make those statements. I would never go against an event that is positive for our country.”
Even so, while that has been resolved, the main story does appear to be true pointing to a reduction in government support for the race in Mexico City.
“We are very proud of what we have achieved since the Mexican Grand Prix returned to the Formula 1 calendar in 2015,” a statement from the promoters read.
“Our contract runs until 2019 and we look forward to commencing discussions regarding the renewal with all stakeholders in due course.
“These conversations must and will take place in private.”
As for the integrity of the event, the promoter insisted everything was above board.
“We run our event through strict governance, compliance and with full transparency,” the statement continued. “We will maintain this way of working and ensure that we continue to promote our country in a positive manner.
“Formula 1 Gran Premio de México has proven to be an invaluable platform to boost tourism and convey a positive image of Mexico to the world.
“In addition, it helps create economic growth as well as thousands of direct and indirect jobs for Mexicans.”
