Formula E Mexico Free Practice: Results from the Season Opening Session

The Formula E season is in session this weekend in Mexico for the Hankook Mexico E-Prix. Mexico marks Round 1 of the Formula E season. With Envision Racing coming off of a championship win the pressure will be on to determine if they can carry that success into 2024.

At the conclusion of free practice one it was Jake Hughes (NEOM McLaren Formula E Team)who set the tone early in Mexico. Hughes set the fastest lap in practice at a 1:14.364; nearly 4 tenths faster than the second fastest driver in the session, 2023 championship contender Pascal Wehrlein (TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team). Wehrlein had a disappointing finish to the 2023 season. He finished fourth despite having early season success that saw him climb to the top of the championship table. If Wehrlein can improve he may be able to find some redemption in 2024 but early indications suggest the team may have their work cut out for them. 2023 champion Jake Dennis finished a surprising 5th fastest in the session; 5 tenths back from the Hughes.

Considering only one practice session has been completed the drivers look forward to a long season ahead with their first opportunity at points coming in tomorrow’s qualifying session. 3 points will go to the pole sitter which will put that driver ahead of the pack heading into the Mexico E-prix. We will report results from qualifying when the session has concluded.

Free Practice 1 Results from Mexico City

The following article was not written by Speed Trap Magazine Staff

From the FIA…

LONDON, UK. Mon. 11 Dec. 2023 – Formula E and the FIA today announced that more girls than ever before will participate in the FIA Girls on Track programme at Formula E races next season, which will also include a role on the race winner’s podium for the first time.

The programme for girls aged 12 to 18 will extend to all 11 race weekends in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in 2024, up from five race weekends in earlier seasons. More than 1,650 girls will take part at Formula E races in Mexico City, Diriyah, Hyderabad, São Paulo, Tokyo, Misano, Monaco, Berlin, Shanghai, Portland, and London.

Now in its sixth year, Formula E has positively impacted more than 2,500 girls at 15 race weekends, with leading female figures from a range of professions across the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship paddock delivering inspirational and educational workshops.

Highlights of the newly enhanced programme include:

A participant of FIA Girls on Track being part of the ceremonies team and present on the victory podium following every race to highlight female inclusion in motorsport.
An immersive work experience placement offered by ABB FIA Formula E World Championship ecosystem at track during race week.
A minimum of 100 girls involved in workshops at track with a further 50 involved in career talks in local universities in every race market.
Resources on Formula E’s website that highlight necessary skills and career development opportunities within motorsport, including future FIA Girls on Track activations.
A new and enhanced brand identity to better reflect and resonate with the women involved in the initiative, following the rebrand of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship at the start of Season 9.
Increased engagement with those who have already participated in activations to further develop their education and understanding of career opportunities.
Women presenting in the FIA Girls on Track come from every part of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, including teams, partners and sponsors. Presentations are delivered on topics including broadcasting, health & safety, technology, engineering, driving and media roles with participating girls getting a complete behind-the-scenes access to race day operations.

Julia Pallé, Vice President Sustainability, Formula E, said:

“We are thrilled to take FIA Girls on Track to the next level and set the standard for how sporting organisations can truly educate, upskill and integrate the next generation of female leaders into their workforce. Taking bold, innovative steps is in our DNA and our commitment for furthering gender equality is no different. Looking around the paddock we see more and more women who have benefitted from the programme and progressed into the industry which underlines both the effectiveness of the programme as well as the importance of why we must continue to maximise its potential. We like all other sports must go further, faster, in championing gender equality around the world.”

Deborah Mayer, FIA Women in Motorsport Commission President, said:

“I am delighted to see FIA Girls on Track program back for the milestone tenth season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The FIA Women in Motorsport Commission is firmly committed to increasing female participation in motor sport at all levels and in all domains. As such, FIA Girls on Track offers the perfect platform to introduce young girls and women to motorsport and all the many and varied career opportunities it presents.”

The new elevated programme is proudly supported by Hankook (Presenting Partner) ABB (Global Partner), WAE (Official Partner), with the series’ Official Partner, Allianz, supporting this initiative as a new Global Partner.

Fact Facts

• More girls than ever before will take part in the FIA Girls on Track presented by Hankook programme at Formula E races next season to encourage female inclusion in motorsport
• For the first time, all 11 race locations will host a FIA Girls on Track experience for local girls with more than 1,650 expected to participate in Season 10
• Also new for next season, one participant will represent the programme and be part of the ceremonies team on the victory podium at every race
• Allianz becomes new Global Partner of the FIA Girls on Track initiative in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. 

This article was not written by Speed Trap Magazine Staff

From Formula E…

LONDON, UK. Tues. 3 Oct. 2023 – Record-breaking speeds, lap times, overtakes and race leaders in Formula E’s most competitive season yet accelerated growth of the sport’s global fanbase and live race audiences to new highs in Season 9.

Formula E’s international fanbase increased 17% year on year to 344m*, taking it past NASCAR to become the fourth-largest motorsport. Germany and the USA were the fastest-growing markets by fanbase, up 45% and 30% respectively.

More than 225m viewers watched Formula E races live during Season 9, up 4% on the previous season. China and the USA, plus new race markets of Brazil, India and South Africa all saw significant increases in live race views.

The 16-race season in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship began in Mexico City in January with the debut of the GEN3 – the fastest, lightest, most powerful and efficient electric race car ever built – and concluded with a double-header in London at the end of July.

New fans tuned in to Formula E as competition for the Drivers’ and Teams’ world titles intensified. Sporting action on the track saw performance records tumble as the 22 drivers from 11 teams in the Championship pushed the GEN3 to the limit.

New records were set for the fastest average lap time and the highest speed. There were more race leaders and more overtakes in the Championship than ever before, with most races featuring triple-digit passes.**

Andretti Formula E team driver, Jake Dennis, won the first race of the GEN3 era in Mexico City before going on to earn his first World Championship title in the penultimate race of the season with three other drivers still in contention going into the final double-header weekend.

The Teams’ World Championship was decided in the final race when Nick Cassidy won for Envision Racing, ahead of Mitch Evans for Jaguar TCS Racing who finished second in the Teams’ title chase. Cassidy will race alongside Evans for Jaguar TCS Racing in Season 10.

Jeff Dodds, CEO, Formula E, said:

“We are well on the way to establishing Formula E as the most exciting and innovative motorsport for fans, alongside being the world’s most sustainable sport. Our teams and drivers exceeded all expectations from a year ago to take the GEN3 car and push it beyond what we all thought was possible. As a result, the entertainment value of Formula E racing is off the scale, which is attracting more fans and TV viewers than ever before. We are committed to building on that momentum and developing new ways of presenting our race events to grow the fanbase and audiences even faster.”

Seven different drivers from six different teams won races during Season 9 which featured races in the centre of Mexico City, Diriyah, Hyderabad, Cape Town, São Paulo, Berlin, Monaco, Jakarta, Portland, Rome and London. Eighteen different drivers led for at least one lap through the season and every team led a race for at least one lap.

Season 9 also featured the return of Maserati to single-seater World Championship motorsport for the first time in more than 60 years, while McLaren joined the Formula E grid.

Formula E concluded Season 9 by breaking another record, this time gaining an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title, when NEOM McLaren Formula E team driver, Jake Hughes, set a new top speed achieved by a vehicle indoors.

Hughes smashed the previous world record by more than 50km/h to reach 218.71km/h on the track inside ExCeL London, where the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship season concluded a few days later.

The world record was set in the revolutionary GENBETA project car, developed by Formula E and the FIA with partners ABB, SABIC and Hankook, which effectively ‘unlocked’ technological features of the GEN3 race car.

Season 10 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Champion begins in Mexico City on Saturday, 13 January 2024. Teams begin pre-season testing in Valencia, Spain, from 23 October.

*Research conducted by Potentia Insight in July 2023. Sample size of 33.000 nationally representative adults across 17 international markets.

**Fastest average lap speed of 154.987km/h set by Sacha Fenestraz, Nissan Formula E Team, in Cape Town (Round 5). Fastest top speed of 276.6km/h set by Mitch Evans, Jaguar TCS Racing, during FP1 in Portland (Round 12).

Nick Cassidy won the 2023 Southwire Portland E-Prix in this past weekend’s Formula E race. The win positions Cassidy one point behind championship leader Jake Dennis. Dennis has secured 154 points on the season to this point. Pascual Wehrlein had a race to forget finishing P8 which dropped him from the top of the table. The title race is extremely tight this year and every weekend has the potential to reshuffle the pack in the standings. Cassidy and Dennis both offered their thoughts after the race.

Nick Cassidy, No. 37, Envision Racing

“It’s cool. I’ve had a good run in America the last couple of years. I love racing here. That race was fun. Look it’s close. The guys we’re racing are top. Jake did an amazing job in quali. I think he was unlucky to be starting on pole – today wasn’t the race to be doing that. And António in these races is always fantastic as well. It’s close, it’s fun, it’s Formula E.

“To be fair, I saw Mitch up with me at stages, I saw Seb, I saw Sam. And we all started far back. So credit to Jaguar and credit to Envision Racing. What a car, what a powertrain.”

Jake Dennis, No. 27, Avalanche Andretti Formula E

“Yeah we had a good day. I think after the flag I was a little bit disappointed, just because the way the race panned out. It was really, really difficult. Nevertheless, we got P2. There was some really difficult overtakes to be had. There are some guys fighting for the championship and other guys with nothing to lose. A race like today is all about risk. I just had to keep my powder dry and come home with an undamaged car and I knew I could get a good result. To come home second, I think that’s three seconds in a row now, so I want to taste the win again in Rome. But we can be happy with a race like that – 400 overtakes – to come home with 18 points is good.

“Me and Nick are really fighting for the championship. It’s just who takes the most risk. Some of those moves on António were brave and he did really good job there. I obviously did António right on the last lap and I just about got through. I’m looking forward to having that race behind me now and getting to Rome where it’ll be a bit more normal and pole will actually be a benefit.”

Formula E Press Release: This article was not written by Speed Trap Magazine Staff

LONDON, UK. Tues. 20 June 2023 – The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship will race on the streets of Tokyo for the first time next March as the series targets more world cities to host debut races in its landmark tenth season.

The provisional calendar for Season 10 was published today by Formula E and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) following ratification by the FIA World Motor Sport Council and with the support of local ASNs (National Sporting Authorities) for each host city.

The race in Tokyo on Saturday, 30 March 2024 will be the first FIA-sanctioned world championship motorsport event held in Tokyo. Twenty-two drivers from 11 teams will race the innovative GEN3 race car – the fastest, lightest, most powerful and efficient electric race car ever built – on roads around the Tokyo Big Sight convention centre on the Tokyo Bay waterfront.

Formula E and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government have been working together to bring the race to the city to support the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) initiative, part of the Zero Emission Tokyo strategy. The city has a climate action plan that aims to achieve net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Multiple leaders in the culmination of this project have provided comments below.

Governor of Tokyo, Yuriko Koike

“I am delighted by the official decision that Tokyo will host a Formula E race in March 2024. Centering on spreading the use of zero emission vehicles, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is accelerating actions in all realms to realize Zero Emission Tokyo, an environmentally advanced city that does not emit carbon dioxide. Formula E is held in major cities around the world as a road race for electric vehicles which do not emit exhaust gas or engine noise.

“This race will be held around Tokyo Big Sight in Tokyo’s bay area, where developments are underway to become a sustainable next generation city. Let’s all look forward to seeing up close the dynamism of this race to be held for the first time in Japan and cheer the racers on. The race will not only add momentum to the spread of zero emission vehicles but will also provide a wonderful opportunity to enhance Tokyo’s international presence by showing the attractions of our city to the world. Tokyo will join forces with the organizers and others related to the race to ensure its success.”

The Formula E 2024 Calendar Notes

Season 10 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship will begin in Mexico City on Saturday, 13 January following the success of a sold-out opening race to begin Season 9.

Three rounds of the 17-race provisional calendar are listed as To Be Determined (TBD) while Formula E continues advanced discussions with a range of potential host cities that would see the championship create more showpiece race events in iconic global locations.

This weekend, Formula E will debut in Portland, Oregon, and will return next season when Portland will host the final international race before the championship concludes in London in late July. Formula E will also return to São Paulo after a successful inaugural race this season.

Berlin will maintain its record as the only city to host an E-Prix in all ten seasons of the championship, consolidating its reputation as a popular venue for drivers and fans who witnessed a record-breaking 190 overtakes and 23 lead changes in Round 7 this season.

Diriyah will again host the only night race double-header on the calendar while Monaco, Rome and Jakarta complete the calendar of named host cities.

Alberto Longo, Co-Founder & Chief Championship Officer, Formula E

“We are excited to take Formula E to the streets of Tokyo next season. It is an iconic world city providing the perfect backdrop to showcase the unique qualities of our sport and will capture global attention. The Season 10 calendar represents our ongoing mission to create a dynamic schedule of new cities hosting races for the first or second time like Tokyo, São Paulo and Portland alongside established hosts like Berlin, Rome, London, Monaco, Diriyah and now Jakarta.”

Jeff Dodds, Chief Executive Officer, Formula E

“Tokyo will be a highlight of our historic tenth season. We are also in advanced discussions with many more iconic world cities who are keen to host a Formula E race and create blockbuster world championship motorsport events with us. We expect this to be reflected in the updated calendar published later this year.”

Marek Nawarecki, Director of FIA Circuit Sport Department

“This calendar is an illustration of Formula E’s continuing growth and promises to treat fans to another season of superb racing with the new GEN3 car, which has already produced countless crowd-pleasing battles. The schedule offers an appealing blend of established Formula E favourites like Mexico City, Rome, Monaco, Berlin and London and popular recent additions such as São Paulo and Jakarta. We are also delighted that the championship will visit Japan for the first time. This will also increase the series presence and impact in Asia, which is important for many manufacturers.”

Season 10 Provisional Calendar:

*subject to ASN confirmation.

Netflix: Drive to Survive and Formula E commentator Jack Nicholls lost his job with the Formula E championship. A statement from Formula E was released that stated, “Formula E can confirm that an investigation was carried out in response to complaints of inappropriate behavior received about Jack Nicholls. Following this investigation, Jack Nicholls’s contract to provide race commentary was terminated.”

Nicholls publicly responded to the decision by stating, “Although disappointed with the decision, I respect it and accept why it was taken. I want to take full responsibility for what I did and apologize unreservedly for a couple of isolated incidents that has made those concerned feel uncomfortable. I never meant any harm and I am committed to making amends and to be more mindful of my behavior in future.”

Three complaints of inappropriate behavior were made against Jack Nicholls. It’s reported that one of the allegations came directly from a younger staff member. The other allegations were reported by witnesses to the incidents.

We will report more on this story as it develops. It appears that Nicholls has voluntarily stepped down from his role at the British Broadcast Company (BBC). At this time the BBC is not launching a formal investigation into these findings. Nicholls’ involvement with Formula E started in 2014 at the start of the series. There are no current reports of his roles with Formula 1 being affected.

FIA Formula E Press Release: This article was not written by Speed Trap Magazine Staff.

LONDON, UK. Weds. 17 May 2023: Formula E today announces that Jamie Reigle will step down as Chief Executive Officer.

Over the last four years, Reigle has led Formula E in partnership with Founder and Chairman, Alejandro Agag, and will now move to an advisory role for the remainder of the season to ensure a seamless leadership transition. Appointed in 2019, Reigle navigated the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship through the pandemic, built a multi-disciplined executive team and introduced a series of initiatives that underpin Formula E’s strategic position and ongoing development. During his tenure, Reigle oversaw the introduction of a new sporting format that has been met with the universal enthusiasm of fans, teams and partners, the launch of the GEN3 car and the implementation of technical, commercial and financial regulations that reinforce the business model of Formula E’s teams and manufacturers.

The Board of Formula E is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeff Dodds as CEO, starting 5 June. Dodds joins from Virgin Media O2 and will lead the next phase of Formula E’s growth as the first electric motorsport world championship and driving force behind sustainability in elite sport.

Dodds has a proven track record in building dynamic media businesses. He served as Chief Operating Officer at Virgin Media O2 for the past two years and prior to that he held leadership positions at Virgin Media as COO, Managing Director and Chief Marketing Officer. He also spent two years living and working in the Netherlands as CEO of telecoms business Tele2.

Dodds has held executive roles at Callaway Golf and Honda, while today he sits on the board of the disability equality organization, The Valuable 500, and is a Non-Executive Director of the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Alejandro Agag, Founder and Chairman, Formula E, said: “I am pleased to welcome Jeff Dodds as Chief Executive Officer ahead of an exciting phase for Formula E as we build upon the success of Season 9. Jeff brings a proven track record of dynamic leadership and impressive execution to Formula E, and the Board looks forward to him unlocking the full potential of Formula E, for the benefit of our fans, teams, manufacturers, partners and stakeholders.

“I would like to thank Jamie for his leadership over the last four years and welcome his support over the remainder of the season. I enjoyed partnering with Jamie to build upon my founding vision while reimagining the definition of success for Formula E.  It has been a pleasure working with him and I look forward to welcoming him back at Formula E races in the future.”

Jeff Dodds, Chief Executive Officer, Formula E, said: “I am thrilled to take on the role of CEO at Formula E. My passion for automotive, sport and entertainment means I am incredibly excited about this opportunity. Formula E is a unique platform that blends cutting-edge technology with the world’s most sustainable sport, providing endless potential for innovation and positive change. There is a world-class team at Formula E and I am excited to lead them into the next chapter, shaping the future of motorsport and redefining what is possible.”

Jamie Reigle said: “It has been an honor leading Formula E for the last four years.  I was initially attracted to Formula E’s unique position as a sport at the intersection of innovation, sustainability and electric mobility.  What I found was far more ambitious and humbling; a passionate group of people committed to building a global sport while changing the world. This mission continues under new leadership and as someone who benefitted from a partnership with Alejandro I’m happy to support Jeff before reverting to life as a passionate Formula E fan.”

Nick Cassidy took the Formula E Championship lead in Monaco with a win for the Envision Racing Team. Cassidy sat just 4 points behind Pascal Wherlein (Tag Heuer Porsche) in the standing prior to the race. After starting 9th Cassidy fought through the field and was able to beat out Wherlein who finished in a disappointing P11 to top the table. 2022 Formula E champion Stoffel Vandoorne (DS Penske) was able to score points this weekend however with Nick Cassidy in great form it appears his chances at repeating a championship run in 2023 are all but over.

Overall the race didn’t have as many overtakes and on track battles as the 2022 race. After the race was restarted it really all came down to the final 5 laps that would decide the whole race. The safety car came out due to Maximilian Gunther’s Maserati MSG coming to a stop heading into Massenet. The car was damaged as the car climbed up Beau Rivage when he tried to overtake Dan Ticktum (NIO) in a battle for 6th place.

Full Race Results Are Below

The second half of the Formula E season begins this weekend with the Monaco ePrix. After a record breaking fan attendance Round 7 and 8 in Berlin. Monaco is expected to reach fan capacity. As we head into Round 9, TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team retains the championship lead in the Teams’ world championship. TAG Heuer also leads the Drivers’ standings with driver Pascal Wehrlein holding a 4 point advantage over Berlin winner Nick Cassidy. Cassidy (Envision Racing) has closed in on the championship leader having collected 68 points in the last four races compared to Wherlein’s 20 points.

The Monaco circuit is the crown jewel of street circuits in the motorsport world. These streets have hosted some of the biggest moments in motor racing history. Wherlein will look to add to that legacy to maintain his lead in the championship standings. Last years champion Stoffel Vandoorne won’t like the position he is in heading into the weekend. Last years champion sits eleventh in the championship. Monaco offers what may be his last opportunity to pivot his season to get back in the championship running. Vandoorne currently holds 25 points, 74 points behind the championship leader. In the teams championship TAG Heuer Porsche holds a 15 point lead over Envision Racing.

Weekend Schedule (PST)

Free Practice 1: 05May 22:25 – 23:15

Free Practice 2: 06/May 00:05 – 00:55

Qualifying: 06/May 01:40 – 02:55

Race: 06/May 06:03 – 07:30

USA: Saturday’s race will be live on CBS Sports Network. Free Practice Sessions and Quali will be live on CBSSports.com as well as the CBS Sports App. Find out how to follow the action live in every country by visiting: fiaformulae.com/en/ways-to-watch

This past weekend the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship headed to the Berlin for a double header race weekend. The races were organized as two separate rounds as the seasons first double header that marked the midway point for the season. Three different manufacturers sat on the podium after the Round 8 race.

Nick Cassidy Wins

Nick Cassidy pulled off a stunning win in Berlin after making a mistake on Saturday that cost a chance at the win. In a post race interview Cassidy stated, “I knew that I would be in the fight for the win, I’ve been in the fight for the last five races. We had a great opportunity in the first race as well, but I made a mistake, and today we really made it count. The team have given me an opportunity to win pretty much every weekend and as a driver that’s a dream.”

Vandoorne Early Success did not Translate to the Race

As reigning champion of Formula E Stoffel Vandoorne has seen better days in his career. After running fastest in FP1 in Berlin, Vandoorne had a disappointing DNF in the Round 7 race. He finished P8 in the Round 8 race. Vandoorne currently sits 11th in the championship standings. His championship grasps have seemingly waned. He may has fallen too far behind to make a run for the title. However, this is Formula E and we have 8 more races where anything can happen. After Berlin, Cassidy has climbed to within 4 points of the championship leader Pascal Wherlein. Next up is Monaco and you can find more information about the circuit at Formula E Monaco.

You can view the full race results for Round 7 and 8 here along with the championship points standings.