In a thrilling display of precision and strategy, Nick Cassidy delivered Citroen's historic first Formula E victory in Mexico City, marking a monumental moment for the French automaker in just their second race in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. But here’s where it gets controversial: was it Cassidy’s sheer skill or Citroen’s strategic prowess that sealed the deal? Let’s dive in.
On January 10, 2026, Cassidy showcased his mastery of timing, climbing 12 positions in a flawless drive to claim the top spot ahead of Edoardo Mortara (Mahindra Racing) and reigning champion Oliver Rowland (Nissan). This wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. Cassidy’s ability to capitalize on Formula E’s dual 50kW ATTACK MODE boosts has become his signature move, and the 2026 Hankook Mexico City E-Prix was yet another testament to his tactical brilliance in the GEN3 era.
The New Zealander’s victory wasn’t just about speed; it was about patience and precision. While Mortara delayed his ATTACK MODE deployment, Cassidy seized the opportunity, slicing through the pack for his fourth win in five races. But this is the part most people miss: the top five finishers crossed the line within a second of each other, highlighting the razor-thin margins that define Formula E racing.
Taylor Barnard, the young British sensation, nearly stole the show by pressuring polesitter Sebastien Buemi (Envision Racing) into an early mistake. Barnard led on Lap 1, chasing the title of the series’ youngest-ever winner, but was soon relegated to fourth by the checkered flag. Meanwhile, Jake Dennis secured fifth, just ahead of Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein, in a race where every position was fiercely contested.
One of the most inspiring stories came from Pepe Marti (CUPRA KIRO), who overcame a staggering 60-place penalty and a Stop/Go penalty for repairs after a heavy crash in Sao Paulo. His seventh-place finish earned him maiden points, proving that resilience pays off in this high-stakes sport.
As the dust settled, Cassidy topped the Drivers’ table with 40 points, followed by Dennis (36) and Rowland (34). In the Teams’ standings, Citroen leads Andretti 44 to 36, while Stellantis holds a seven-point lead over Porsche in the Manufacturers’ World Championship. But here’s the burning question: Can Citroen maintain this momentum, or will the competition catch up?
The race itself was a masterclass in strategy and aggression. Wehrlein’s early ATTACK MODE activation on Lap 4 set the tone, while Mortara’s bold move on Barnard for the lead on Lap 5 showcased the intensity of the battle. Porsche’s dominance was evident with four of their cars in the top five by Lap 12, but Cassidy’s calculated overtakes and energy management ultimately stole the spotlight.
Controversially, Oliver Rowland’s late ATTACK MODE activation was marred by a Full Course Yellow, costing him valuable time. Was this bad luck, or a strategic misstep? Meanwhile, Cassidy’s flawless timing and energy overlap allowed him to take the lead on Lap 30, leaving Mortara and Rowland to settle for second and third, respectively.
As Cassidy crossed the line, it wasn’t just a win for him—it was a triumph for Citroen, proving they’re a force to be reckoned with in Formula E. But what do you think? Is Citroen the real deal, or is this just a fleeting moment of glory? Let us know in the comments below!
For more electrifying action, don’t miss the brand-new season of Driver on Amazon Prime, and stay updated with the 2025/26 Formula E calendar. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer, this season promises to be unforgettable. Will you be there to witness history?
