Race Review: Formula E Mexico City Eprix 2024

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!

Welcome Back Formula E. But, For How Long?

That's quite the melodramatic headline right, because let's be honest, the craziness that is Formula E isn't going anywhere anytime soon. But, surely you knew that this post was coming? Because I, like many others, are disgruntled by the fact another motorsport series that we adore has turned to "pay to view" here in the UK.

Since the conception of the series in the early 2010's, one of the most attractive attributes of Formula E was that it was going to be readily available and accessible for everyone, with live streams of the race on Youtube, alongside live race coverage on the TV. Of course this is how it would begin. How else would they build a following? However, as with most good things, free viewing has come to an end, and with the motorsport community consistently growing in popularity - (thanks but no thanks, Netflix!), we've had yet another motor racing series ripped from our grasp, with only* a bank account standing in the way. *Techincally, nothing is standing in the way if you want to break the law with dodgy streaming sites. You didn't hear that here though. Just my melodramatics.

I can't help but think about the potential negative impacts this could have on Formula E.

Already, despite free viewing, the series has never hit a large following like other motorsport series have. Could this damage an already "mediocre" reputation even more? All you need to do is look at the comments on their social media pages to get an idea of how pissed fans already are. I am extremely intrigued, however, to find out viewing figures from the first race of the season, airing tomorrow on TNT. A channel which charges £30-odd a month. I am stingey. Or not. Maybe Formula E have decided to go down the route of money over quality.

Should I really be so negative about the paywall move? Yes, I am entitled to feel that way. But, it's only because I love this sport and I love this series. Who knows, it may work out for them. We were all so annoyed (and naive and young) when Formula One made the move to behind a pay wall back in 2012; look at them now. Thriving and rolling around in mountains of cash.

Even though I won't be watching via Formula E's new channel, I will get my Formula E fix one way or another. It'll probably have to be highlights and that makes me feel gross. It's just not the same when it isn't live. But, it is what it is and we're going to have to suck it up. Who knows, one day Formula E may just return back where it belongs. In a good way.

I just hope this isn't the beginning of the end.

Formula E - My Season 10 Predictions

Welcome to January 2024. A new year, a new month and a new Formula E season. One that I am highly anticipating. It's been too long since these "futuristic-looking" cars have graced the race tracks all over the world. However, unfortunately for some - including myself, Formula E won't be as easy to watch in 2024, with a move to a paid-for channel; limiting the easy accessibility that the series has become renowned for. But, that's a story for another time.

If you've been following my blog for some time, you may remember that in 2023 I made some predictions for that year's Formula One season. Yes, some of those predictions I made were extremely far out from what actually happened, but it was fun to look back at the end of the season and see how wrong I was. Therefore, in 2024, with the new Formula E season just days away, I've decided to make some more of those all important predictions. So, grab your coffees and get comfy. Here we go.

A New Champion

In the 9, nearly 10, seasons that FE has been around for, there has only ever been one double World Champion; Jean-Eric Vergne, in Seasons 5 and 6. Could other champions match that feat in 2024? I'm not sure.

Formula E always brings us the unknown; with crazy races and unexpected/several winners throughout the season, it really is difficult to pinpoint as to who could win this year's championship. But, if 2023 is anything to go by, I'd be keeping my beady little eye on Jaguar and their drivers - Mitch Evans and Nick Cassidy. Both of who were in with a chance of winning the 2023 title. There are also plenty of other drivers that could also be within a shout. Sam Bird, Pascal Wehrlein, Sacha Fenestraz? There is no calling it. But, if statistics and trends are to go by, this year's champion may well be brand new.

Jaguar Will Be Fierce Competition

In 2023, the Jaguar TCS Racing team meant business. And, although they finished 2nd in that year's Constructors Championship, they will definitely be the ones to watch in 2024, especially if they continue on with, not only last year's success, but also with how well their pre-season test went, as they prepare for the upcoming season.

But what about Envision Racing, the team that won the 2023 Constructor's Championship? Ironically, their star driver from last season - Nick Cassidy, has signed with Jaguar for 2024. With both Cassidy and Evans at Jaguar, it's hard not to believe they have one of the strongest driver line ups going into this season.

The DS Boys Will Be Back To Winning Ways

This a brave prediction I am making. Why? Because I am a DS Penske fan. Their driver line up of Jean-Eric Vergne and Stoffel Vandoorne was something I wanted in Formula E for a long time and DS gave it me. Last year I said that they were the best line up on the grid and would be a force to be reckoned with. Boy, was I wrong.

Both Vergne and Vandoorne are past champions in the series, but both also had nightmare 2023's, despite a win for Vergne in Hyderabad. Surely things can only get better from here, right? And surely, the jinx I seem to give my favourite drivers will lift eventually? Ask me about this one again at the end of the season.

5 Different Winners In The First Five Races

One of my favourite things in motorsport is when we're lucky enough to witness multiple race winners at the start of the season. Why? Because it's the perfect set up for a fascinating championship battle.

In Formula E, multiple different race winners is the norm. Take last year, for example, there were five different race winners in the first six races. Or Season 7, where there were over 10 different winners in the fifteen race season. So, all in all, this prediction is a relatively reasonable one to make.

A Longstanding Driver Will Retire From FE At The End Of The Season

As we enter the 10th Formula E season, there are still multiple drivers that have been taking part in the series for quite some time. Is it time for them to move onto other pastures? Maybe, maybe not.

You have the likes of Sam Bird, Robin Frijns, Antonio Felix da Costa, Lucas di Grassi and Jean-Eric Vergne, all of who are starting their 8th, 9th and 10th FE seasons. In hindsight, they are all still very young, but after a long time racing FE cars, is a change of scenery in sight? My gut tells me maybe, for one at least. (Please don't be Vergne)

There you go folks. The predictions have been made and the jinxing of favourite drivers has commenced. Will I do any better with these predictions than I did with the F1 ones? Hmmm. You'll have to wait until seasons end to find out.

Don't forget, the season commences on 13th January with the Mexico City E-Prix.