Get ready for a thrilling showdown in Mexico City, but here's the twist: four drivers are set to face grid penalties at the 2026 Hankook Mexico City E-Prix, and it’s sparking some serious debate. Is this the price of pushing limits, or a step too far in the name of safety? Let’s dive into the details and you decide.
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship’s Season 12 kicked off with a bang in São Paulo last month, but not all drivers emerged unscathed. As the race weekend heats up in Mexico City on January 10, 2026, four drivers will be starting from less-than-ideal positions due to penalties carried over from the opening round. Here’s the breakdown:
Pepe Martí
Reason: Causing a collision
Penalty: Start from the back of the grid
Martí’s incident at Turn 6-7 with Antonio Felix da Costa and Nico Müller has raised eyebrows. While da Costa and Müller reacted swiftly to avoid a crash during the Full Course Yellow (FCY), Martí’s excessive speed left him unable to prevent a collision. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this a genuine mistake, or a reckless move that endangered others? The stewards deemed it a worst-case scenario for safety, slapping Martí with a severe penalty and 4 penalty points, bringing his total to 4.
Lucas di Grassi
Reason: Causing a collision
Penalty: 5-place grid drop
Di Grassi’s clash with Edoardo Mortara at Turn 5-6 ended with Mortara’s car retiring. Di Grassi’s aggressive move pushed Mortara into the wall, leaving fans divided. Is this the cost of competitive racing, or a line crossed? He received 2 penalty points, totaling 6.
Felipe Drugovich
Reason: Overtaking under FCY
Penalty: 3-place grid drop
Drugovich’s decision to overtake Pascal Wehrlein and Nick Cassidy during the FCY has sparked debate. While some see it as a tactical error, others argue it’s part of the game. His 5-second time penalty was converted into a grid drop, with 2 penalty points added to his total of 3.
Jean-Eric Vergne
Reason: Overspeeding under FCY
Penalty: 3-place grid drop
Vergne’s speed exceeded the FCY limit between Turns 6 and 7, earning him a grid drop and 1 penalty point, bringing his total to 2. But here’s the part most people miss: Could this be a sign of larger issues with FCY regulations, or simply a driver’s misjudgment?
As the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez gears up for another electrifying race, these penalties add an extra layer of drama. Will they shake up the standings, or will the drivers rise above the challenge? What’s your take? Are these penalties fair, or do they go too far? Let us know in the comments!
Don’t miss the action—tune in on January 10, 2026, and catch all the highlights, schedules, and behind-the-scenes content on the Formula E App or Amazon Prime’s ‘Driver’ series. And if you’re feeling bold, secure your VIP experience for a race day like no other!
