After a long wait for the return of Formula E, it was an interesting beginning to Season 10, with Porsche's Pascal Wehrlein taking the Mexico City Eprix win for the second time, after his last victory there during Season 8.
However, going into the race weekend, it was Jaguar that appeared on everyone's "bingo" cards as the favourites, with their strong end to Season 9 and their new all-Kiwi line up of Mitch Evans and Nick Cassidy. It would be hard to bet against them. But still. This is motorsport, and anything is possible. Just ask Wehrlein and Sebastien Buemi, both who each knocked out a Jaguar in the qualifying duels to line up on the front row of the grid. Elsewhere, eager eyes would be watching Jehan Daruvala, the only rookie of 2024, as he took to the grid for his first Formula E race. Then there's Nyck de Vries, a former Formula E champion, returning to the series after his somewhat "mediocre" attempt at Formula One. Can he bounce back to his original form?
Although tame, when compared to previous Formula E races; this year's Mexico City Eprix still had it's fair share of drama, with pre-race issues for the newly established ERT team and their driver - Sergio Sette Camara, who was unable to take to the start. There was also some early action which led to a few bumps and bruises. A late lunge from Antonio Felix da Costa on Nico Mueller saw the Porsche driver (da Costa) eliminated from the race. While ABT driver - Lucas di Grassi, found himself in the barriers, also ending his race prematurely. However, it would be Robin Frijns, on his return to Envision, who's crash would bring out the only Safety Car of the race. A mere coincidence, after crashing out of the Mexico City Eprix only one year ago, breaking his hand in the process. Thankfully for the Dutch driver, there were no injuries to be reported. Just a sorry looking car.
One thing that the Mexico City Eprix seemed to be lacking were on-track battles and overtakes, with many drivers struggling to make their move, even with attack mode activated. Most notably this was evident in the latter stages of the race, with Evans' surprise and unexplained lack of pace in the Jaguar. With good defending and strong straight line speed, he could just about hold onto 5th, even with the DS Penske of the only double Formula E Champion - Jean-Eric Vergne; breathing down the Jaguar man's spine. But still, was the minimal overtakes a first race of the season thing? Is Jaguar's straight line speed really that strong? So many questions.
As we've experienced before, as recently as Season 9, what seems to be the strongest driver line up doesn't always come into fruition. Looking at you, DS Penske. But, with a double points finish in Mexico City, it's a better start for the team from the States, and a better start for their drivers - Vergne and Stoffel Vandoorne. Both of whom are Formula E champions and both of whom are expected to be in the fight for the prize. Season 9 was a disappointment for the duo, but if foreshadowing really is real, Season 10 is ready for them to be back where they belong.
Chequered flag, and, as mentioned earlier, it would be Wehrlein to take the first win of the season, leading from start to finish. Not overly surprising with his successful history at the track - 2 wins and a podium, as well as his form in the latter stages of Season 9. The German driver is one to watch in 2024. Buemi would take 2nd, ahead of Cassidy in the Jaguar - scoring a podium on debut with the British team.
Overall, Formula E's return to racing wasn't exactly a disappointment, despite the lack of overtakes and on-track battles. Impressive performances from several drivers overshadowed how tame the race was for Formula E. Right now, the pecking order is still all over the place and not all teams are showing their full potential. Season 10 is being set up to be an exciting one and I, for one, can't wait!
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