Citroën Racing in Mexico City: aiming for new heights in Formula E

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship continues its journey with a highly anticipated second round. For the Citroën Racing team, this Mexican stage is of paramount importance following a stellar debut at the season opener in São Paulo. On December 6th, the French brand made a lasting impression by securing a historic third-place finish, thanks to a spectacular comeback by Nick Cassidy. This first podium, achieved in the brand's very first race in the category, has set a high standard. Now, with bolstered confidence and clear ambition, the team heads to Mexico City, determined to prove that its Brazilian performance was not a one-off but the start of a serious campaign for the world title.

A legendary track at over 2,200 Meters above sea level

The event is set for Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the iconic Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. Located in the heart of the Mexican capital, this track is a crown jewel of the Formula E calendar, renowned for its electric atmosphere and the exceptional fervor of its fans. Spanning 2.608 kilometers, the circuit is driven clockwise and features 16 corners. This year, a notable modification has been made with the removal of the chicane at the end of the main straight, which could alter overtaking dynamics and racing lines.

The primary challenge of this race lies in its geographic setting. Perched at an altitude of over 2,200 meters, the circuit presents teams with thin air. While this configuration naturally reduces aerodynamic drag, allowing for higher top speeds, it significantly complicates thermal management and energy recovery. For Citroën Racing engineers, the challenge will be finding the optimal setup for the GEN3 Evo car, whose potential was already showcased in Brazil. Precision in managing the Hankook tires and the battery will be, more than ever, the key to success during qualifying and the race itself.

Ambition and strategy: navigating racing challenges

Despite the prevailing optimism, the Mexican weekend will not be without its hurdles. Jean-Eric Vergne will have to contend with a three-place grid penalty. This sanction follows an involuntary speeding incident under a yellow flag during the previous round in São Paulo. For the double world champion, qualifying will be doubly crucial to minimize the impact of this penalty and aim for a points-scoring comeback.

Cyril Blais, Team Principal of the Citroën Racing Formula E Team, approaches this deadline with composure: "From the team’s perspective, it is always very exciting to return to Mexico City. The atmosphere and excitement of the fans around the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is truly electric, which makes the race even more spectacular. We want to build on the results obtained in Sao Paulo with the objective of scoring solid points with both our cars." He also noted that weather conditions, with lower temperatures expected than in Brazil, should ease the engineers' work on systems management.

On the drivers' side, motivation is high. Nick Cassidy, buoyed by his Brazilian podium, aims to maintain this momentum: "This result gave a real boost to the team and I am determined to repeat the same pattern for the second round. We will focus on a solid qualifying and the execution of a clean race to aim for another good result." Jean-Eric Vergne, despite his penalty, remains focused on his goals: "The first race of the season did not go as hoped personally, but I am very motivated to score my first points. My main goal in Mexico is to open my points tally this season."

A reality check for Citroën’s global ambitions

This second race of the 2025-26 season serves as a true confirmation test for Citroën Racing. While the podium in Brazil proved the intrinsic speed of the GEN3 Evo sporting the chevron brand's colors, the Mexican track, with its technical demands and altitude, will allow for an assessment of the technical team's and drivers' versatility. The team's ability to manage a complex race strategy in an environment where energy is precious will reveal its level of preparedness against the established giants of the sport.

The Mexican public, known for its passion, will be the privileged witnesses of this quest for performance. With an experienced driver duo and a competitive car, Citroën Racing has all the assets to shine under the Mexico City sun. Managing Vergne's penalty and Cassidy's ability to repeat his feat will be the two key narratives of a weekend that already promises to be memorable for fans of the brand and electric motorsport.