The Nissan Formula E Team arrives at the first Formula E race of 2026, carrying the momentum of last season’s memorable triumph at the Mexico City E-Prix. The Japanese squad will look to recreate Oliver Rowland’s stunning victory from Season 11, when he claimed the top step of the podium from fourth on the grid.
Both Rowland and teammate Norman Nato demonstrated impressive form at the season opener in São Paulo last December, with Rowland delivering a commanding drive from 13th on the grid to secure second place. Despite Nato’s strong performance going unrewarded in Brazil, the team heads to Mexico with confidence in their competitive pace.
A historic venue for Formula E
This weekend marks the 10th time that the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez has hosted 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 calendar since Season 2, with only 2021 as an exception.
For Season 12, organisers have removed the chicane on the back straight, creating enhanced overtaking opportunities into Turn 9. Combined with Turn 1, these two sections will provide the primary passing zones during Saturday’s race.
Team builds on strong São Paulo performance
Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal of Nissan Formula E Team, expressed enthusiasm about returning to one of the team’s favourite destinations. “Mexico is one of our favourite visits of the year, and we’re thrilled to be back,” Volpe said. “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.”
However, Volpe emphasised the need for continued development, acknowledging the incredibly tight competition across the field. “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.”
The team principal also highlighted Mexico’s significance as a key market for Nissan, noting that the brand dominates car sales in the country. “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,” Volpe added.
Rowland eyes championship momentum with Nissan in 2026 Mexico City E-Prix
Oliver Rowland eagerly anticipates returning to the scene of one of his career-defining victories. “I can’t wait to be back racing in Mexico City this weekend as it’s always such a brilliant atmosphere around the event,” the British driver said. “My victory here in 2025 was one of the best of my career, the energy from the crowd was incredible.”
Rowland wants to see how the track modifications will influence the racing. “It’s going to be interesting to see how the removal of the chicane will affect the racing, hopefully there will be more overtaking,” he noted. Despite his podium finish in São Paulo, the reigning Formula E champion acknowledges the team has work to do. “We know we need to work hard, taking 18 points from São Paulo was positive but we still have aspects to improve on, which will be the target for Mexico.“
Intriguingly, Rowland pointed out a notable historical trend. “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,” he revealed, adding extra significance to this weekend’s event.
Nato targets strong result
Norman Nato approaches the 2026 Mexico City E-Prix with determination, recognising the unique challenges the circuit poses. “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,” the French driver explained.
Like his teammate, Nato looks forward to the iconic stadium section. “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,” he said. “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.”
Technical perspective from Bird
Sam Bird highlighted the distinctive characteristics the Mexico City circuit offers. “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,” Bird explained.
The altitude creates specific technical challenges that the team has addressed. “The nature of the track means the tyres overheat quickly, and that’s something we’ve been working hard on in the simulator,” Bird noted.
With the track layout changes and the car’s characteristics in mind, Bird expressed optimism about the team’s prospects. “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 [Rowland] 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.”
