Formula E - Mexico City E-Prix (Round 2)

The Mexico City E-Prix (Round 2) brought formula-e racing to the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City for the tenth time since the event first appeared on the calendar. This race marked the 150th event in Formula E World Championship history and featured the new Gen3 Evo race car competing on a modified circuit layout.

Race Results and Competition

Nick Cassidy from Citroën Racing claimed victory at the Mexico City E-Prix, finishing ahead of Edoardo Mortara from Mahindra Racing and Oliver Rowland from Nissan Formula E Team. Sébastien Buemi of Envision Racing secured pole position with a qualifying time of 1:05.249, while Jake Dennis recorded the fastest lap during the race. The competition covered 36 laps across 93.816 kilometers at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez Circuit

The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez stands as a permanent racing facility in Mexico City. Formula-e uses a modified version of this circuit that measures 2.608 kilometers and includes 16 turns. The track sits at approximately 2,250 meters (7,349 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest-altitude racing venues in motorsports.

Circuit Layout and Features

The track configuration saw significant changes for this edition. Officials removed the chicane after Turn 8, reverting to a faster layout that had been used in previous years. This modification created one of the quickest circuits on the formula-e calendar, featuring long straights combined with a technical infield section.

The circuit cuts through the Foro Sol stadium, a baseball venue that transforms into a grandstand area during race weekends. Cars navigate tight corners while spectators surround them in the stadium seating, creating a unique racing environment. The layout also incorporates the full Peraltada final corner before cars return to the main straight.

Altitude Challenges

The high elevation of Mexico City affects racing conditions significantly. Thinner air at this altitude impacts aerodynamics and requires teams to adjust their car setups. Lower oxygen levels present specific challenges for electric powertrains, making this race different from other formula-e events held at sea level.

Gen3 Evo Technology

The Mexico City E-Prix showcased the Gen3 Evo race car, representing the final evolution of the Gen3 era. This car brings several technical advances over previous models.

Performance Specifications

The Gen3 Evo accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in just 1.86 seconds, making it the quickest accelerating FIA single-seater race car. The vehicle reaches a top speed of 322 km/h (200 mph). Power output reaches 350 kW (469 hp) during qualifying and Attack Mode, with 300 kW (402 hp) available in race mode.

All-Wheel Drive Innovation

Formula-e introduced all-wheel drive capability for the first time with the Gen3 Evo. Drivers can access AWD during qualifying duels, race starts, and Attack Mode periods, improving acceleration and control during these critical moments.

Energy Recovery Systems

The car generates nearly 50% of its race energy through regenerative braking. The system recovers 600 kW total, with 350 kW from the rear axle and 250 kW from the front axle. This recovery capacity demonstrates the efficiency advantages of electric racing technology.

Aerodynamics and Tires

The Gen3 Evo features updated bodywork that improves aerodynamic performance and enables closer wheel-to-wheel racing. Hankook iON tires provide 5-10% more grip than previous specifications and contain 35% recycled and sustainable materials. The electric motor operates at over 95% efficiency.

Teams and Drivers

Ten teams competed at the Mexico City E-Prix with two drivers each. Andretti Formula E fielded Jake Dennis and Felipe Drugovich. Citroën Racing entered Nick Cassidy and Jean-Éric Vergne. Cupra Kiro brought Josep Maria Martí and Dan Ticktum to the grid.

DS PENSKE competed with Maximilian Günther and Taylor Barnard. Envision Racing ran Sébastien Buemi and Joel Eriksson. Jaguar TCS Racing entered Mitch Evans and António Félix Da Costa. Lola Yamaha ABT Formula E Team fielded Lucas Di Grassi and Zane Maloney.

Mahindra Racing competed with Edoardo Mortara and Nyck De Vries. Nissan Formula E Team entered Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato. Porsche Formula E Team brought Pascal Wehrlein and Nico Müller to Mexico City.

Event History

Formula-e first visited the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez for the 2015-16 season, making it the first traditional race track on the championship calendar. The venue has hosted races consistently since then, with only one cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The circuit layout has evolved multiple times. Officials eliminated the chicane on the back straight in 2020, then added it again in 2023, before removing it once more for this race. Lucas di Grassi has won multiple times at this venue, securing victories in both 2017 and 2019. The 2019 race became memorable when Pascal Wehrlein ran out of usable energy meters from the finish line, allowing di Grassi to claim the win.

Recent Mexico City E-Prix winners have shown strong championship form. Jake Dennis won the race during Season 9, Pascal Wehrlein claimed victory in the previous edition before this one, and Oliver Rowland won the most recent race prior to this event. All three drivers went on to secure their respective season championships.

Event Atmosphere and Culture

The Mexico City E-Prix ranks among the most popular races on the formula-e calendar. The event brings large crowds and features live music performances as part of the race weekend celebrations. Latin pop star Mike Bahía headlined the entertainment program for this edition.

The stadium section at Foro Sol creates a distinctive atmosphere compared to other formula-e venues. Spectators fill the baseball stadium seating while cars race through the infield, producing a festival-like environment that sets this race apart from traditional motorsports events.

What Makes This Race Special

Several factors distinguish the Mexico City E-Prix from other formula-e races. The altitude affects car performance in ways teams rarely encounter elsewhere on the calendar. The combination of a permanent racing facility with the temporary modifications creates a unique blend of track characteristics.

The high-speed layout with its long straights favors efficiency management and strategic energy deployment. Drivers must balance maximum attack with energy conservation across the race distance. The track surface and weather conditions at this elevation also require specific tire and setup considerations.

Mexico City provides a cultural backdrop that enhances the racing action. The local fanbase brings enthusiasm to the grandstands, particularly in the Foro Sol stadium section where noise levels and crowd engagement reach peak levels. This combination of sporting challenge and cultural celebration defines the Mexico City E-Prix experience for teams, drivers, and spectators alike.