In a breathtaking display of grit and precision, Oliver Rowland clinched his first victory of the Formula E season in Mexico City, overcoming fierce competition and chaotic late-race drama. The Nissan driver made a decisive move on the restart after a safety car, outmaneuvering Antonio Felix da Costa and a charging pack to secure not only his first win but also his first podium of the season in his sixth attempt at the Mexico E-Prix.
The Defining Moment: Rowland’s Masterclass After the Restart
The pivotal moment of the race came after the safety car was deployed on lap 29 due to a collision between David Beckmann and Lucas di Grassi at Turn 12. Rowland, lying in fourth, had conserved Attack Mode energy, giving him a critical edge. On the restart, the Brit executed a stunning sequence of overtakes: first passing Jake Dennis at Turn 1, then dispatching Pascal Wehrlein at Turn 2, and finally dueling Antonio Felix da Costa through the stadium section to take the lead at Turn 12.
Just one lap later, another safety car was deployed for Mitch Evans, whose bid to replicate his late-race heroics from Sao Paulo ended after a collision with Nico Mueller. Rowland, undeterred, maintained his composure on the final restart, using his remaining Attack Mode power to fend off da Costa’s relentless pursuit.
Da Costa Keeps Rowland Honest, But Falls Short
Antonio Felix da Costa, who started the race strong in the TAG Heuer Porsche, kept Rowland under intense pressure in the final laps. The Portuguese driver, a master at conserving energy and pouncing at the right moments, came tantalizingly close but couldn’t find the opportunity to retake the lead. His second-place finish, however, earned him enough points to take the lead in the championship standings.
Wehrlein’s Strong Start Fizzles
Pole-sitter Pascal Wehrlein dominated the early stages, leading the first 15 laps with the two Porsches running in harmony at the front. However, an early Attack Mode activation from Jake Dennis allowed the Brit to snatch the lead briefly, only for Wehrlein to drop back further as da Costa and Rowland charged through the field. Wehrlein eventually finished third, salvaging a podium after a series of intense battles.
Jake Dennis and Jean-Eric Vergne Round Out the Top Five
Jake Dennis, who briefly led after a bold Attack Mode strategy, couldn’t hold off the charging da Costa and Rowland in the latter stages. He finished a respectable fourth, bouncing back from a non-score in Sao Paulo. Jean-Eric Vergne took fifth, though the DS Penske struggled to match the race pace of the Porsches.
Midfield Heroes and Penalty Chaos
Maximilian Guenther followed teammate Vergne in sixth, while Nyck de Vries and Nico Mueller impressed with strong midfield drives. Taylor Barnard, starting from 19th, climbed to 10th, using energy conservation and smart Attack Mode deployment to secure a points finish despite a five-second time penalty.
The chaotic race proved costly for others. Edoardo Mortara and Sebastien Buemi received 10-second penalties for unused Attack Mode, dropping them to 13th and 17th, respectively. Lucas di Grassi’s drive-through penalty, converted to a 27-second post-race time addition, left him 16th in the final classification.
Championship Standings Shake-Up
Da Costa’s second consecutive runner-up finish propels him to the top of the drivers’ standings, 12 points ahead of Rowland, who jumps into a tie for second with Mitch Evans. Wehrlein’s consistency sees him climb to fourth, while Taylor Barnard rounds out the top five after consecutive points finishes.
In the Teams’ Championship, TAG Heuer Porsche overtakes NEOM McLaren, doubling their points tally. Defending champions Jaguar TCS Racing sit third, while McLaren’s consistent performances keep them within striking distance.
What’s Next?
The Formula E season heads to its next destination with an exciting championship battle brewing. Rowland’s resurgence, da Costa’s consistency, and the unpredictability of races like Mexico ensure that fans are in for an electrifying season.
