Source – fiaformulae.com
The dawn of the 2025 Formula E season is upon us, and with it comes the thrill of the Hankook Mexico City E-Prix, the second race of the dynamic GEN3 Evo era. As the calendar flips to a new year, the FIA Formula E World Championship promises to deliver even more electrifying action and heart-stopping moments. After a jaw-dropping season opener in São Paulo, where Jaguar TCS Racing’s Mitch Evans orchestrated a stunning last-to-first victory, the spotlight now shifts to Mexico City and the iconic Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit.
This legendary track, steeped in racing history, is no stranger to drama. Hosting its ninth Formula E race, the circuit has been the battleground for six different winners, each etching their name into its storied asphalt. As fans flock to the Formula E Predictor, eager to stake their claims on this weekend’s victors, the question lingers: who will rise to the challenge in this fiercely competitive arena?
A New Era of Speed: Enter the GEN3 Evo
Season 11 heralds the arrival of the GEN3 Evo, the fastest accelerating FIA single-seater ever built, capable of rocketing from 0-60mph in a blistering 1.82 seconds. This technological marvel has already proven its prowess, shaving nearly three seconds off lap times compared to previous visits to the Anhembi Sambadrome in São Paulo. As the cars prepare to unleash their fury on the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, anticipation is at fever pitch.
Porsche Power: A Legacy of Victory
Mexico’s recent history in Formula E has been dominated by Porsche-powered triumphs. Pascal Wehrlein, the reigning World Champion, has twice stood atop the podium here, claiming victory in 2022 and again in 2024. His prowess at this circuit is undeniable, making him a formidable contender this weekend. Andretti’s Jake Dennis, another driver with Porsche power under his hood, inaugurated the GEN3 era with a commanding win in Season 9, further cementing Porsche’s dominance in Mexico.
Yet, the unpredictable nature of Formula E means that past performance is no guarantee of future success. Porsche’s recent outing in São Paulo saw Wehrlein’s race end in a spectacular crash despite securing pole position, leaving Antonio Felix da Costa to salvage a second-place finish. It was Mitch Evans and Jaguar who ultimately claimed victory, defying expectations and setting the stage for a thrilling season ahead.
Underdogs and Rising Stars
While Porsche’s dominance looms large, other teams are poised to upset the status quo. NEOM McLaren’s Taylor Barnard made history in São Paulo, becoming the youngest-ever Formula E podium finisher with a stunning third-place finish. Alongside teammate Sam Bird, Barnard has propelled the papaya team to the top of the Teams’ World Championship standings, making them serious contenders in Mexico.
Nissan-powered cars, led by Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato, are eager to rebound after a challenging race in Brazil marred by power usage penalties. Meanwhile, Envision Racing’s Sebastien Buemi, with four podium finishes at this circuit, remains a constant threat, poised to add another trophy to his collection.
DS PENSKE, too, is a team to watch. Jean-Eric Vergne, a double-champion, has tasted success here before, and with new teammate Maximilian Guenther showing impressive pace, the American outfit is determined to make their mark.
The Battle for Pole
Pascal Wehrlein’s expertise in qualifying is well-documented, with the 30-year-old aiming to secure a record-breaking fourth pole position at the same circuit. His mastery of Mexico’s challenging track layout makes him a favorite for pole once again. However, in an unprecedented streak, the last 16 Formula E races have been won by drivers starting from positions other than pole. Wehrlein himself was the last to convert a pole into victory, doing so in Mexico last season. Can he break the trend and reclaim the top step of the podium this weekend?
As the Hankook Mexico City E-Prix approaches, the air is thick with anticipation. The stage is set for another chapter in Formula E’s exhilarating saga, where speed, strategy, and sheer determination will collide in a spectacle like no other. Will Wehrlein and Porsche reaffirm their dominance, or will a new hero emerge to steal the spotlight? The answers await under the vibrant skies of Mexico City.
