Formula E

Nissan Formula E Team seeks to replicate Mexico City success

January 6, 2026

5 min Reading

Oliver Rowland on track in Sao Paulo

Japanese squad aiming to challenge at the front following last season's victory at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez

Nissan Formula E Team is ready for Round 2 of the 2025/26 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship this weekend at the Mexico City E-Prix, as the Japanese outfit aims to replicate its stunning victory from Season 11 where Oliver Rowland won from fourth on the grid.

 

Both Rowland and teammate Norman Nato head to Mexico for Round 2 having shown strong pace in the season opener in São Paulo in December. Rowland drove strongly to go from 13th on the grid to clinch second, although Nato’s good performance went unrewarded.

 

This weekend’s event will be the 10th time that Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez has held the Mexico City E-Prix, making it the joint-fourth most visited venue in Formula E history, alongside Circuit de Monaco. The track has featured on the championship’s calendar since Season 2, with the exception of 2021.

 

The 2.63-kilometer circuit offers a unique experience for the drivers, being located 2,250 meters above sea level. Additionally, it sees the cars go through the stunning stadium section as they navigate their way through Turns 10-14, before then entering the long start/finish straight. For Season 12, the chicane on the back straight has been removed, offering a better overtaking chance into Turn 9. Alongside Turn 1, these will mark the two best passing opportunities during the race.

 

Track action begins on Friday with Free Practice 1 from 16:00 local time (UTC-6). Saturday kicks off with the second free practice session at 07:30, as Qualifying gets underway from 09:40, before lights out for the 36-lap race at 14:05.

Side image of Norman Nato on track in Sao Paulo

Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal, Nissan Formula E Team: “Mexico is one of our favorite visits of the year, and we’re thrilled to be back. So far, we are happy by the pace demonstrated at the first race in Brazil, with both cars battling at the front. It shows that our preparation for the season was positive and it gives the whole team confidence. We must keep working hard and improving, as it was clear in São Paulo how closely matched the field is in both qualifying and the race. We have high ambitions for this weekend’s round and we’re going to give it our best shot. Mexico is a key market for Nissan and the most sold car brand in the country - we have lots of customers and fans there, so of course we will be aiming to replicate our success from last season.”

Oliver Rowland pre-race in Sao Paulo
Oliver Rowland

“I can’t wait to be back racing in Mexico City this weekend as it’s always such a brilliant atmosphere around the event. My victory here in 2025 was one of the best of my career, the energy from the crowd was incredible. It’s going to be interesting to see how the removal of the chicane will affect the racing, hopefully there will be more overtaking. We know we need to work hard, taking 18 points from São Paulo was a positive but we still have aspects to improve on, which will be the target for Mexico. The trend in the last three Formula E seasons has been the winner of this E-Prix goes on to claim the drivers’ title, so I’ll be aiming to repeat the success of Season 11.”

Norman Nato wears a cooling vest pre-race in Sao Paulo
Norman Nato

“Mexico is an extremely different track layout compared to Brazil, so we’ll have to lean on our experience around the circuit to extract the best performance possible. One of the highlights of this venue is the amazing stadium section – it is unique and very cool to be able to drive through with all the amazing fans in the grandstands cheering us on. We’ve certainly got high expectations coming into this round and I’m aiming to get the most from the car and myself as always.”

Sam Bird being interviewed while wearing red Nissan Formula E Team kit
Sam Bird

“Mexico City is a unique track, it’s a permanent circuit but has a street feel. It’s the highest altitude location we go to, which makes it really physical for the drivers. The nature of the track means the tires overheat quickly, and that’s something we’ve been working hard on in the simulator. The layout has changed for this year, with the removal of a chicane on the back straight, opening up Turn 9 as a great overtaking opportunity, alongside Turn 1. I think the track will suit our car, Oli won in amazing style here last year and both drivers showed strong pace in São Paulo, so we definitely have the capability to deliver two positive results and taking a good points haul for the team.”