The 2024 Mexico City E-Prix, the second race of Formula E’s Season 11, witnessed a dramatic victory for Nissan driver Oliver Rowland. Starting from fourth on the grid, Rowland strategically utilized his ATTACK MODE and capitalized on a late safety car period to overtake the dominant Porsche duo of Pascal Wehrlein and Antonio Felix da Costa, ultimately securing his first-ever Formula E win and Nissan’s first of the season. This triumph marked a significant turnaround for Rowland, who had suffered misfortune in the season opener in Sao Paulo. The race unfolded with a fascinating strategic battle amongst the frontrunners, highlighting the impact of the new GEN3 Evo car’s enhanced performance and the crucial role of energy management.
The early stages of the race were controlled by the Porsche team, with Wehrlein, the reigning world champion and pole-sitter, maintaining a comfortable lead ahead of his teammate da Costa. Rowland, positioned just behind, remained a constant threat. Other drivers, including Andretti’s Jake Dennis and Mitch Evans of Jaguar, also featured prominently in the top order. The introduction of ATTACK MODE, a power boost system activated by driving through a designated off-line section of the track, added a layer of complexity to the race, as drivers weighed the benefits of the extra power against the time lost activating it and the increased energy consumption. The mid-race saw frequent lead changes as drivers deployed their ATTACK MODE strategically, with Dennis briefly holding the lead before da Costa reclaimed it.
As the race progressed, the importance of energy conservation became increasingly apparent. Teams carefully calculated their drivers’ energy usage, balancing the need for speed with the risk of running out of power before the finish line. The Andretti team, after an initial strong showing with both Dennis and Nico Muller running high in the standings, saw their drivers drop back as their ATTACK MODE allocation dwindled. This opened the door for Rowland, who had conserved his energy and ATTACK MODE reserves effectively, to mount a challenge for the podium. A dramatic turn of events came with just a few laps remaining. Mitch Evans, pushing hard to make up positions, crashed out, triggering a safety car period. This neutralized the field and bunched the cars together, setting the stage for a thrilling final sprint.
The safety car’s deployment proved to be the turning point for Rowland. With a substantial amount of ATTACK MODE remaining, he seized the opportunity to attack the leading Porsches. As the race resumed, Rowland expertly utilized his power boost to overtake both Dennis and Wehrlein, grabbing the lead with a decisive move. Da Costa, despite a valiant effort, was unable to match Rowland’s pace and ultimately finished second, with Wehrlein completing the podium. The victory was a testament to Rowland’s strategic driving and Nissan’s ability to recover from early-season setbacks.
The Mexico City E-Prix showcased the evolution of Formula E, with the GEN3 Evo cars demonstrating impressive speed and agility. The race was a compelling display of strategic racing, highlighting the importance of energy management and the tactical deployment of ATTACK MODE. The challenging high-altitude circuit and the unpredictable nature of the race added to the excitement, delivering a memorable event for the fans in Mexico City and viewers around the world. The result also underscored the competitive landscape of Season 11, with several teams and drivers vying for championship contention.
Beyond the on-track action, the Mexico City E-Prix served as a platform for showcasing Formula E’s commitment to sustainability. The increased use of recycled materials in tire construction and the continued development of electric vehicle technology further solidified the series’ position as a leader in sustainable motorsport. The weekend also highlighted the growing popularity of Formula E, with strong attendance figures and extensive media coverage. The broadcast of the race on TNT Sports, along with the streaming option on Discovery+, expanded the reach of the series to a wider audience. The pre-race commentary and analysis further enhanced the viewing experience, providing valuable insights into the drivers, teams, and the unique characteristics of the Mexico City circuit.
