For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a die-hard fan of racing games. I mean my childhood was filled with them, so whether you talk about Need for Speed, Burnout, Midnight Club, Gran Turismo, Road Rash, or any other you can think of, I can bet you I’ve played and finished them all.
Today, I’m really excited for two big reasons! The first one is the launch of the highly anticipated racing game F1 25, marching closer toward us this year. The game is going to unlock on Steam in just 3 weeks, and I’m more ecstatic than I’ve ever been. I’ve already upgraded to a high-speed and reliable plan from Optimum. P.S. You can too, by reaching out to the Optimum servicio al cliente en Español.
The second thing I’m excited about is that in addition to promising a kick ass time for anyone who plays, this game also features a wide range of tracks from Hispanic locations, which for me as a Latino is a huge moment of pride. I mean, wouldn’t you feel great seeing the rare occurrence of your culture or nation being represented globally?
In this article, I'm going to share the Hispanic locations featured in the upcoming F1 25. So, ladies and gentlemen, turn on your engines, fasten your seatbelts, and put the pedal to the metal because the race is about to begin!
3,2,1, blast off!
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
Opened for racing in 1991, the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya is a 4.6 km racetrack that has hosted some of the most well-known F1 and MotoGP championships. The track features both straight roads and a wide range of corners, making it an all-rounder circuit. It is particularly known for holding one of the most prestigious events that shape Formula One championships, the Spanish Grand Prix.
In addition to F1 events, the track has also hosted motorcycle racing events such as the European motorcycle Grand Prix and the Catalan motorcycle Grand Prix. The track is one of the busiest ones in all of Europe and has given racing fans everywhere some of the most iconic moments in the sport.
I mean, who can ever forget the intense and roaring battle between Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell, or Michael Schumacher winning his first ever race in a Ferrari? The racetrack is also scheduled till November this year for a large range of car and bike racing events.
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
Formerly known as the Autódromo Magdalena Mixhuca, this legendary racetrack from Mexico was renamed to honor two F1 legends, brothers Ricardo and Pedro Rodriguez, both of whom sadly died while driving. The 4.3 km track was launched in 1959 and has since seen a high level of layout changes.
The track is known for hosting the first ever Busch series race outside America in the 2005 NASCAR Busch Series. Beyond that, the track has literally paved the way for one of the most loved F1 championship races, the Mexican Grand Prix. The track resumed hosting this event in 2015, after a long break since 1992, when it used to follow a different layout.
The best part, we’re about to see the action again in a few months! That’s right, the track is booked from October 24 to 26. We’ve previously seen many iconic moments on this track, like Nigel Mansell’s legendary overtake of Gerhard Berger in 1990. You never know, a new iconic moment may just be around the corner.
Autódromo José Carlos Pace
Straight from the vibrant Sao Paulo in Brazil, this racetrack is one of the oldest ones when it comes to motorsport events. The track was constructed in 1938, however, it saw its first Formula One race 34 years later in 1972. Initially named the Autódromo de Interlagos, the track was also renamed in honor of another legend who left the racing world too soon, José Carlos Pace.
The track has hosted the Brazilian Grand Prix since 1973, however, we only have 5 more years of action, since the contract is expiring in 2030. I surely hope the contract gets renewed and we see more iconic moments.
But one thing is certain: nothing will ever beat the moment Ayrton Senna won the 1991 Brazilian Grand Prix. It is and will always be the most emotionally charged victory as it was the first time the legend won on his home ground. The track is also booked for F1 events between November 7 and 9.
Hispanic Representation in Video Games – Better Late than Never
Despite being one of the largest minorities in America, Hispanics have always been a highly underrepresented community in America, especially in industries like technology and gaming.
However, as the American society is gradually beginning to adopt more progressive attitudes, I envision a brighter future not so far away. I’m talking about a future where all members of American society are represented in mainstream industries like gaming.
The inclusion of Hispanic racetracks like the ones mentioned in this article is not the only example of Hispanic representation in gaming. The creation of Hispanic characters in other games, most notably GTA, is another clear indication that we are moving towards a more inclusive future.