How Puebla's high-altitude encounter gave Formula E's new leader breathing space

It’s ironic that the Valley of Mexico should sit well in excess of 2000 metres above sea level. And there’s something in the very thin air in this region that’s seemingly hellbent on scuppering Pascal Wehrlein and his pursuit of a maiden Formula E victory. It’s the same air that appears to profit Lucas di Grassi time and time again as he ended a protracted drought to land a third triumph in the region. Meanwhile, the altitude left Edoardo Mortara utterly breathless on his way to the spoils the next day to depart Latin American with a comparatively commanding points lead by the standards of the series.

Wehrlein was just 10 metres away from scoring the win in Mexico City back in 2019 when his Mahindra Racing machine swigged the last of its energy and he fell prey to di Grassi at the line, the Brazilian’s second success at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. Spectators rose to their feet in celebration and after such a show, they returned to the venue in their droves last season. As championship chief executive officer Jamie Reigle told Autosport last Friday: “Mexico is the one of the few markets where we’ve got real traction.”