After a month-long break, Formula E roars back into action this weekend at the iconic Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City. The second round of the season promises thrilling unpredictability, as drivers and teams look to build momentum in their pursuit of the championship.
Mitch Evans: The early title contender
Jaguar TCS Racing’s Mitch Evans arrives in Mexico with the spotlight firmly on him. His astonishing last-to-first victory in Sao Paulo has made him an early favorite for the title. Evans, who narrowly missed out on championship glory last season, will look to carry that form into Mexico and assert himself as the driver to beat.
Off the track, rumors have swirled about a strain in his friendship with teammate Nick Cassidy. However, both drivers looked in prime form during the season opener, and Jaguar appears well-poised to remain in the championship hunt.
Pascal Wehrlein: Redemption mission
Pascal Wehrlein’s title defense got off to a nightmarish start in Sao Paulo. A crash after a clash with Cassidy saw him sent halo-first into the barriers, ending his race early. But the German driver will look to bounce back in Mexico, a circuit where he’s enjoyed success before.
Wehrlein secured a dominant lights-to-flag victory at last season’s opener in Mexico and will aim to recapture that magic to kick-start his campaign. His Porsche teammate, Antonio Felix da Costa, will also be in the mix, coming off a second-place finish in Brazil. For da Costa, this season represents a pivotal moment as he fights to secure his future with the team.
Nissan seeks redemption
The opening round was a disaster for Nissan, with drivers Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato falling victim to overpowering issues that resulted in costly drive-through penalties. Rowland, who appeared destined for a podium finish, will hope to put the disappointment behind him and deliver a strong performance in Mexico.
The challenge of Mexico City
The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez offers a unique challenge for the Formula E grid. Unlike its F1 counterpart, the FE layout incorporates the NASCAR oval and features 19 turns over just 1.5 miles. Drivers will navigate the famous Foro Sol stadium and the Peraltada corner, with Attack Mode strategically placed at turn 15.
Last year’s Pole Position time, set by Wehrlein at 1:13.298, could be shattered this weekend, with the new all-wheel drive system potentially enabling drivers to break into the 1:10 range.
Schedule and conditions
The Mexico City E-Prix weekend kicks off with FP1 on Friday, January 10, at 17:00 local time (23:00 GMT). The action intensifies on Saturday, January 11, with FP2 at 07:30 (13:30 GMT), qualifying at 09:40 (15:40 GMT), and the race at 14:05 (20:05 GMT).
Weather forecasts predict peak temperatures of 22°C on both days, with a chance of rain before FP1 on Friday, but dry conditions expected for Saturday’s main event.
Where to watch
UK viewers can catch the action live on TNT Sports or stream it via ITVX.
A season full of intrigue
As Formula E gears up for its second round, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Can Mitch Evans continue his dominant form? Will Pascal Wehrlein stage a comeback? Or will another contender emerge to steal the spotlight in Mexico?
One thing is certain: Formula E fans are in for another electrifying race weekend.
