The Hankook Mexico City E-Prix is always a favourite among drivers and fans alike. The wild party atmosphere and passion for motorsport can be felt wherever you go, but there’s one guy on the grid who really loves the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit: Lucas di Grassi.
Back at ABT CUPRA for Season 10, the former Formula E Champion is making no secret of the fact he loves this 2.63km Mexican circuit. Lucas di Grassi has won in Mexico twice, once in Season 3 - the year he became champion - and later in Season 5. Last year, he also managed to achieve the Julius Baer Pole Position with Mahindra Racing and went on to finish third here. It was to be the team’s only podium finish over the Season 9 campaign.
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“It would be a dream if the season consisted of 17 races in Mexico: No matter if we had to swap cars or make an extra pit stop, if we had an accident or started from the back – we always ended up with a trophy here,” di Grassi began.
“A weekend in Mexico is not only different on track, but also in the paddock, where we drivers are treated like rock stars. The fans are more enthusiastic than anywhere else in the world – the perfect place to start the season.”
As well as welcoming back di Grassi, who lines-up alongside Nico Mueller, ABT CUPRA also have reason to celebrate in Mexico City; reaching 100 Formula E races! The ABT name returned to the all-electric championship in last season, after taking a one-year break, but this time joined forces with the iconic CUPRA brand. The team have already won three races here, twice with Lucas and again with Daniel Abt although he was later disqualified for having an underweight car.
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“The start of a new season, with the fantastic fans in Mexico and the 100th race for our team – the anticipation for the new season is great,” ABT CEO and Team Principal, Thomas Biermaier, added about the occasion.
“But the tension is also high: after a year full of challenges, we want to take the next steps in 2024. Score points consistently and maybe spring a surprise here and there. Even though the technical conditions are largely the same as last year, we will give it our all. The team has remained almost completely the same and Lucas, a long-time member of our family, has returned – we are all excited about Mexico and the whole season with its old and new venues.”
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The team have achieved an incredible 14 wins and 47 podiums during those 99 races, and will be hoping to increase on those numbers in Season 10.