The 2023 Mexico City E-Prix delivered a thrilling race with a dramatic shake-up in the standings. Nissan driver Oliver Rowland orchestrated a brilliant strategic drive, climbing from fourth place to secure his first victory of the season and Nissan’s maiden win in Mexico City. Rowland’s perfectly timed ATTACK MODE usage allowed him to outmaneuver the dominant Porsche duo of Pascal Wehrlein and Antonio Felix da Costa, who had initially controlled the race. The final laps witnessed an intense four-way battle, but Rowland emerged victorious, injecting himself directly into the championship contention.
Despite losing the top spot, Porsche enjoyed a successful weekend, converting a front-row lockout into a double podium finish. Da Costa, though disappointed not to secure the win, celebrated his second consecutive podium finish, which catapulted him to the top of the Drivers’ Championship standings. He acknowledged the need to review the impact of the safety car, believing it played a role in Rowland’s victory, but remained positive about his consistent points accumulation in the early stages of the season. Wehrlein, the reigning champion, expressed disappointment with the race’s outcome, admitting it “didn’t go to plan” despite showing initial strength and leading for a significant portion. He conceded to Rowland’s superior strategy and the influence of the safety car.
The race was punctuated by several safety car deployments and strategic ATTACK MODE usage that significantly impacted the running order. An early safety car allowed drivers like Mitch Evans, who had substantial ATTACK MODE time remaining, to close the gap on the leaders. Rowland capitalized on another safety car period to deploy his remaining ATTACK MODE, overtaking several drivers, including both Porsches, to seize the lead. He then fended off a late charge from the Porsche duo to claim victory.
The Mexico City E-Prix unfolded with an early dominance by Porsche, with Wehrlein and Da Costa leading the pack. Rowland quickly moved into third, overtaking Jean-Eric Vergne. The race became increasingly strategic as drivers managed their energy and ATTACK MODE usage. Andretti’s Jake Dennis momentarily took the lead with a well-timed ATTACK MODE, but da Costa reclaimed it shortly after. A four-way battle for the lead emerged between the two Porsches, Dennis, and Rowland, showcasing the intense competition.
The mid-race saw further strategic battles, with drivers like Nico Muller and Nyck de Vries using their ATTACK MODE to gain positions. Wehrlein maintained his lead, holding off challenges from his teammate and Rowland. The safety car deployments bunched the field, creating opportunities for drivers to utilize their remaining ATTACK MODE and shift the dynamic of the race. Rowland’s masterful use of ATTACK MODE under the safety car proved to be the decisive move, allowing him to jump the Porsches and establish a lead he wouldn’t relinquish.
The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez circuit, situated at a challenging altitude, played its part in the race’s drama. The track layout, with its tight corners and the ATTACK MODE activation zone placed on the outside of Turn 15, encouraged close racing and strategic overtakes. Wehrlein’s previous success at the circuit, including two wins and three pole positions, highlighted his proficiency on the track. His pole position for this race, achieved ahead of teammate da Costa, further solidified his reputation as a driver to beat in Mexico City. The event marked Wehrlein’s third pole position at the circuit, a new Formula E record for most poles at a single track.
