Redemption for Wehrlein with 'payback' first Porsche win

As the saying goes, it's third time lucky, and that's exactly how it played out for TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E's Pascal Wehrlein after he claimed a long-overdue maiden Formula E victory in Mexico City. Leading his teammate Andre Lotterer, the pair finished one-two, bringing home Porsche's first Formula E win and some much needed points. 

"Man it took a long time but finally in Mexico - it was the best race I could have imagined," called out Pascal Wehrlein over the radio, from the cockpit of his Porsche 99X Electric. 

Clearly relieved and overwhelmed at claiming not just his first Formula E victory but also Porsche's maiden win in the series, the German driver's first place finish in Mexico had been a long time in the making.

READ MORE: The full Round 3 race report

With two previous shots at the win in Mexico, both of Wehrlein's efforts had been thwarted - one by a devastating finish line overtake by then-Audi driver Lucas di Grassi in 2019 and another thorough disqualification in Puebla in 2021. But 2022 would be Wehrlein's year. 

"It's really satisfying. With all the history I have here in Mexico, it feels amazing to have the first victory for me here in Mexico but also for the team. 

"The car was amazing and also Andre (Lotterer) did a great job - today was our day, so let's celebrate."

After a stunning qualifying session saw him clinch Julius Baer Pole Position, Wehrlein and the Porsche squad executed a perfect strategy that saw both drivers cross the line one after the other, well clear of the competition. 

"It was very important for me. I've been here for a couple of races in this championship and I've been so close so many times and even in Mexico last year it was heartbreaking to finish P1 and then get disqualified, so it was payback this weekend and it feels amazing."  

Lotterer shows restraint under team orders to secure one-two

While Wehrlein was busy leading the way, his teammate Andre Lotterer was obediently following team orders to secure a one-two finish, despite having a healthy balance of energy on board. 

"First of all, congrats to the team and to Pascal - it's a fantastic result," said Lotterer immediately after the race, visibly deflated at not having challenged for the lead. "Obviously, I was up on energy and for sure I would have had a good opportunity to take the lead but we worked as a team and the strategy played out very well.

Despite racing in the series since Season 4, Lotterer has been searching for his first race win in Formula E ever since he joined the series. With eight podiums to his name in 54 races, the seasoned pro has only ever managed a best of second place. 

"If I would have started in front of him, it would have been the same story the other way around but I think from a team perspective, it was the right call, we played it cool and we really showed a strong performance together. 

"It's tough, obviously but that's the sport - I should have qualified better and then it would have been OK. But it's nice for Pascal. He had a win taken away from him last year, so I guess, karma came back for him." 

With Wehrlein walking away from Mexico City with 28 points and Lotterer 18, both drivers rise up the standings to third and fourth respectively. The Porsche squad jumps to third in the Teams' standings with 60 points, just eight behind leaders ROKiT Venturi Racing. 

After Porsche picked up the pace significantly in Mexico City, could this be the beginnings of a shot at the championship crown for the German team? We'll see as the series rolls on to the ancient city of Rome on 9 April, 2022.