"Every lap was like a qualifying lap for me" - Mexico star Wehrlein with precision to win the season opener

Pascal Wehrlein's record in Mexico City is impressive: In the last four Formula E guest appearances at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, the German has finished second twice and first twice - as he did at the 2024 season opener on Saturday. However, what looked like a commanding victory was not an easy job, as the Porsche driver revealed after the race.

"It was a tough race because we were in the lead most of the time. That's not exactly efficient in terms of energy consumption," explained Wehrlein shortly after the end of the race on Formula E's TV world feed.

The fact that Wehrlein had a slight energy deficit compared to the Jaguar cars behind him was certainly evident in the race. Nevertheless, he confidently managed his lead over Sebastien Buemi to the finish.

"I was able to control the race pretty well"

"After I took the lead, more or less every lap was like a qualifying lap for me. I tried to drive as fast as possible, also in the slow sections," said Wehrlein.

The plan worked, not least because the 29-year-old showed no weaknesses and drove like Swiss clockwork towards his fifth Formula E victory - compared to his biggest rival at the Hankook Mexico City E-Prix, the actual Swiss driver Sebastien Buemi.

"I saw that Seb made a mistake behind me once, which allowed me to open up a small gap to him. From that point on, I was able to control the race pretty well," said Wehrlein, looking back on the season opener.

☑️ Third consecutive podium finish for @PWehrlein at the #MexicoCityEPrix. ??
Second victory here after 2022.
It is also Pascal's 5th @FIAFormulaE career victory in his 65th #FormulaE race.#PorscheFormulaE #Raceborn pic.twitter.com/BjGS8ny7XC

- TAG Heuer Porsche FE Team (@PorscheFormulaE) January 13, 2024

Satisfaction after "frustrating" 2nd half of the 2023 season

A year ago, Wehrlein had also started the season with a strong performance in Mexico, even though he had to submit to eventual champion Jake Dennis in second place back then. However, he went on to win the next two races in Saudi Arabia. He then led the world championship for much of the first half of the season. Towards the end of the championship, however, he suffered a number of setbacks and ultimately only finished fourth overall.

This shall not happen again in 2024. "It's really great to start the season like this, because last season - especially the second half - was pretty frustrating," said Wehrlein. "We've pulled ourselves together and improved all our weaknesses. Now we have to carry on in the same way and push so that we don't suffer the same fate as last season."

If Wehrlein can build on his form from last year in Diriyah, it could be a successful month for Porsche. The double-header with two races in Saudi Arabia takes place in just two weeks' time (26 and 27 January). Wehrlein and Porsche will be travelling there as world championship leaders.