The atmosphere in Mexico City was nothing short of electric, and not just because of the cars. As the 2025/26 Formula E season roared into its second round, a sellout crowd packed the legendary stadium section, creating a wall of sound so intense that drivers could actually hear the roar of the fans over their own powertrains. It was the perfect stage for a race that delivered everything motorsport fans crave: unpredictable chaos, controversial clashes, and a storyline that swung from tragedy to triumph in the blink of an eye.
If you thought you knew what to expect from this season, the Mexico City E-Prix just tore up the script. From a heartbreaking error by a veteran champion to a mesmerizing comeback drive that defied all logic, this race proved exactly why Formula E is currently one of the most exciting sporting spectacles on the planet.
The Miracle from 13th Place
The headline story belongs to Nick Cassidy, a driver who turned a disastrous weekend into a career-defining victory. Driving for Citroen—a brand new team competing in only their second-ever Formula E race—Cassidy seemed to be out of contention before the lights even went out. By his own admission, his qualifying session was terrible, leaving him languishing down in 13th place on the grid. In a series known for tight street circuits and difficulty in passing, a win from that far back is statistically improbable.
Yet, Cassidy produced a masterclass in energy management and calculated aggression. He sliced through the field with a precision that left rivals bewildered, utilizing his attack modes at the perfect moments to leapfrog the competition. His victory wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. For a rookie team like Citroen to stand on the top step of the podium so early in their journey is a massive disruption to the established order. Cassidy, who already boasts the best winning percentage in Formula E history, has firmly announced himself and his new team as serious championship contenders.
However, his drive to the front was not without its dark clouds. A mid-race incident involving António Félix da Costa and Dan Ticktum has sparked fierce debate in the paddock. Cassidy appeared to force his way into a closing gap, initiating contact that sent ripples through the pack. While he emerged unscathed to take the win, many observers—including veteran analysts—believe he was incredibly lucky to escape a penalty. It was a “rub of the green” moment that often decides championships, but it certainly added a spicy layer of controversy to his celebration.
Hero to Zero: Buemi’s Nightmare
While Cassidy soared, another legend of the sport crashed back down to earth in the most painful way imaginable. Sebastien Buemi, a former Formula E champion and World Endurance Championship titan, experienced a rollercoaster of emotions that ended in disaster.
Buemi had inherited pole position after the original fastest qualifier, Taylor Barnard, was stripped of the top spot for exceeding track limits at the final corner. It seemed the stars were aligning for the Swiss veteran. He had the track position, the experience, and a car capable of winning. But then came Turn 1.
In a moment that will likely haunt him for the rest of the season, Buemi simply “bottled it.” Distracted by checking his mirrors for Barnard, he missed his braking point completely, sailing deep into the first corner and throwing away his lead instantly. It was a shocking unforced error from a driver of his caliber—someone trusted by Red Bull Racing for critical Formula 1 simulator work. To go from the pound seat to fighting for scraps in mere seconds is the brutal nature of motorsport, but rarely is it this self-inflicted. It was a crushing blow for Buemi, who had the pace to win but cracked under the pressure of the moment.
The Art of the Chaos
What makes the Mexico City E-Prix stand out is how it highlighted the unique “controlled chaos” of Formula E. The race wasn’t just about raw speed; it was a high-speed chess match played at 150 mph. Drivers like Oliver Rowland, the reigning 2025 champion, showed why experience matters. Like Cassidy, Rowland started out of position in 8th but used superior energy conservation to hunt down the leaders in the dying laps, securing a vital result.
The final laps were a blur of action, with the outcome uncertain until the very last corner. This unpredictability is the series’ superpower. Unlike other championships where the winner is often decided by the first corner, Formula E races are a slow-burn thriller that explodes in the final minutes. The ability of drivers to save energy in the first half only to unleash it in a frantic dash to the finish line keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
A Season to Watch
If Mexico City is any indicator, the 2026 season is going to be a classic. We have a shaken hierarchy with Citroen’s immediate success, a redemption arc waiting to happen for Buemi, and a grid so competitive that a driver can win from the midfield while champions make rookie mistakes.
For the skeptics who still doubt electric racing, this race was the perfect rebuttal. The cars are faster, the racing is closer, and the drama is real. Whether it’s the roar of the Mexican crowd or the sparks flying from carbon fiber bodywork, Formula E is delivering a show that demands attention. As the championship moves forward, one thing is clear: expect the unexpected.