Oliver Rowland opened his Season 11 Formula E campaign with a sensational victory at the Mexico City E-Prix, showcasing the revamped Attack Mode feature in the new GEN3 Evo cars. The British driver capitalized on strategic brilliance—and a timely Safety Car—to edge out Porsche’s Antonio Felix da Costa and Pascal Wehrlein for the top step of the podium.
Attack Mode’s game-changing impact
Rowland praised the improvements to Formula E’s Attack Mode system, which now delivers an extra 50 kilowatts of power in all-wheel-drive GEN3 Evo cars. Drivers activate the boost in strategically-timed increments, with the added power creating a significant lap-time advantage that has reshaped the dynamics of racing.
“Last year, Attack Mode in GEN2 was pretty OK,” Rowland explained. “But with the GEN3 cars, the power now delivers the performance we need to overtake and make a real difference. It’s opened up the overtaking side and the strategy side of the race.”
The new system has already proven its effectiveness, with Mitch Evans winning from last on the grid in the season opener and Rowland using it to full advantage in Mexico.
Strategy redefined: Balancing risk and reward
Rowland reflected on the complexities of managing Attack Mode, highlighting how its strategic use can make or break a race.
“Do you fight in the beginning? Do you save your energy and activate late? These are the questions we’re all asking,” Rowland said. “In Mexico, I left my six minutes very late, which put me under pressure from cars behind. But when you push flat-out with Attack Mode, you can make real gains.”
The added strategic layer has helped reduce the “peloton-style” racing often seen in Formula E, creating more opportunities for drivers to differentiate themselves with bold decisions.
A dream podium at Mexico City
Rowland’s victory at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez fulfilled a long-held dream of standing atop the podium in front of the iconic Foro Sol stadium. The electrifying atmosphere, with tens of thousands of fans chanting his name, left a lasting impression on the Briton.
“I’ve always dreamed of being on that podium,” Rowland admitted. “To feel the energy from all the fans, it was surreal. Even four hours after the race, there were still hundreds of people chanting my name outside the garage.”
Formula E confirmed the event was a sellout, underscoring the sport’s growing popularity and the excitement surrounding its evolving format.
A promising start to Season 11
With his victory in Mexico, Rowland has set the tone for what could be a standout season. As drivers continue to adapt to the GEN3 Evo cars, Rowland believes the first few races will shape how Attack Mode is used across the year.
“The first five or six races will really shape the way we race throughout the season,” he said. “But for me, Attack Mode has been a huge breath of fresh air. It’s extreme, but it’s also incredibly fun and interesting.”
What’s next?
Rowland’s victory not only cemented his status as a frontrunner in Season 11 but also underscored the potential of Formula E’s new-gen cars to deliver thrilling, strategy-driven racing. With the next round on the horizon, fans can expect more electrifying action as drivers continue to master the art of Attack Mode.
