Pascal Wehrlein And Porsche Top The Podium – Round 1 – 2024 Hankook Mexico City E-Prix
- TAG Heuer Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein converts narrow pole to commanding win in the Season 10 opener of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship at the 2024 Hankook Mexico City E-Prix.
- Sébastien Buemi of Envision Racing claims second, with Jaguar TCS Racing’s newcomer Nick Cassidy rounding out the podium, stating: “We can challenge Pascal moving forward”.
- World-record holder and eight-time Olympic gold-medalist Usain Bolt waves chequered flag in front of more than 40,000 at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez sell-out crowd.
- In a historic first for Formula E, tickets for the next Mexico City E-Prix are available to buy now, with a special limited-time offer.
MEXICO CITY, Mexico. Sat. 13 Jan. 2024 – Pascal Wehrlein of TAG Heuer Porsche displayed masterful driving to clinch the first win of the season in an electrifying start to Season 10 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in Mexico City today.
Wehrlein further solidified his renowned prowess at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez by leading from the start and converting his now-fourth Julius Baer Pole Position in Mexico to a second race win in the country. Although briefly ceding the lead during an ATTACK MODE charge under Full Course Yellow conditions, the German-Mauritian driver showcased his skill and resilience before a well-timed overtake to take back his lead and cross the finish line first. Wehrlein’s win also solidifies the success of the Porsche powertrain as the third Porsche-powered winner in each of the last three Mexico City E-Prix events. Joining Wehrlein on the podium were Sébastien Buemi for Envision Racing in second and Nick Cassidy, Jaguar TCS Racing’s new signing, in third.
The race also saw strong performances from Maximilian Guenther (Maserati MSG Racing) and Mitch Evans (Jaguar TCS Racing), with the latter engaging in a fierce, defensive battle with Jean-Éric Vergne (DS PENSKE), who made an impressive climb from 10th to sixth. Jake Hughes (NEOM McLaren Formula E Team), Stoffel Vandoorne (DS PENSKE), championship-defender Jake Dennis and Norman Nato (both Andretti Formula E) also put in notable performances, navigating through the pack to round out the top ten and secure points.
A relatively clean race was only interrupted on lap 9, after Robin Frijns found the wall on the exit of the Foro Sol. A Full Course Yellow would be required for the car’s removal, forcing Wehrlein to delay his attack on the then-leader Buemi.
Pascal Wehrlein, No. 94, TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, said:
“It was a tough race because we were leading most of the race and that’s not so efficient for energy – but every lap was like a qualifying lap, trying to maximise speed. I saw a small mistake behind me which created a small gap, and from then I think it was pretty controlled. Thanks a lot to my team and thanks to all the fans here, it’s always a great to be here in Mexico; it’s a great atmosphere. I’m already looking forward to coming back next year.”
Sébastien Buemi, No. 16, Envision Racing Formula E Team, said:
“I’ve had four podiums here now. They’re now calling me the veteran. It was a smooth race. Qualifying was the key point really. I know it’s quite difficult to pass here, but we’ve had a clean race. Pascal was fast, but I heard he was under investigation, so I decided to stick to P2, and if it becomes something more, then I’ll be happy with that.”
Nick Cassidy, No. 37, Jaguar TCS Racing, said:
“It’s the start of a really nice new chapter. I had high expectations with FP1 and FP2, it’s not been an easy weekend, but the team have been really awesome with me throughout. Hopefully, this is the start of something cool and that’s just getting started; it was a great race. I think the grid can definitely challenge Pascal moving forward.”
Special Ticket Announcement
In a new move for Formula E, fans now have the chance to secure their spot for the 2025 Mexico City E-Prix from the very start of the season. Following another sold-out event in front of more than 40,000 spectators, a limited quantity of grandstand tickets are available for this weekend at a discounted price of only $180 MXN. This unprecedented early sale offers fans an exciting opportunity to plan ahead for Formula E’s next thrilling visit to Mexico City next year.
The 2024 Mexico City E-Prix results bring Wehrlein to the top of the Drivers’ table and TAG Heuer Porsche as leaders of the Teams’ standings. The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship returns in less than two weeks, with the first double-header of the season: The much-anticipated night race in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, on 27 & 28 January.
About Formula E and the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship:
As the world’s first all-electric FIA World Championship and the only sport-certified net zero carbon since inception, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship brings dramatic racing to the heart of some of the world’s most iconic cities providing an elite motorsport platform for the world’s leading automotive manufacturers to accelerate electric vehicle innovation.
The Formula E network of teams, manufacturers, partners, broadcasters, and host cities are united by a passion for the sport and belief in its potential to accelerate sustainable human progress and create a better future for people and planet.
About ABB:
ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company’s solutions connect engineering know-how and software to optimize how things are manufactured, moved, powered and operated. Building on more than 130 years of excellence, ABB’s ~105,000 employees are committed to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation. www.abb.com
Sources: Formula E PR
Photos by Formula E
Pascal Wehrlein, TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, 1st position, sprays champagne on the podium
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