The Mexico City E-Prix witnessed a mix of fortunes for the DS Penske team, with both drivers securing valuable points but expressing mixed feelings about their performance. Jean-Eric Vergne finished fifth, an improvement from his ninth-place finish in Sao Paulo, while teammate Maximilian Guenther secured sixth place. Both drivers faced challenges when the safety car was deployed just as they activated their Attack Modes, impacting their race strategies. Despite these setbacks, the team remains optimistic and focused on future improvements.
For Vergne, the race was bittersweet. He felt that the timing of the safety car deployment significantly affected his chances of achieving a podium finish. "I believe we had the potential to secure a top-three position," he remarked. "However, the safety car's intervention at a critical moment left us at a disadvantage." Nonetheless, Vergne acknowledged the positive aspects of the weekend, highlighting the team's competitive performance and consistent point-scoring.
The DS Performance director, Eugenio Franzetti, shared a similar sentiment. While disappointed by the safety car's impact, he emphasized the overall positive outcome. "We achieved solid results, with both drivers finishing in the top six and accumulating crucial points," Franzetti noted. "Our qualifying positions were promising, and although the safety car hindered our progress, it's essential to focus on the positives and continue striving for better performances."
Guenther, who joined the team from Maserati MSG Racing, viewed the race as a stepping stone for future success. "Securing sixth place and contributing to a strong team result is encouraging," he said. "Despite some issues with tyre degradation, our overall performance was commendable. The collaboration between myself and the team is growing stronger, and I feel increasingly comfortable in the car. Moving forward, our goal is to build on this momentum and aim for higher positions."
The DS Penske team demonstrated resilience and adaptability during the Mexico City E-Prix. Although the safety car's timing posed challenges, the team's ability to secure multiple points and showcase competitive strength bodes well for upcoming races. With continued efforts and strategic improvements, the team aims to achieve even greater success in the forthcoming Jeddah event.