In the fast-paced world of Formula E, where every lap counts, Indian driver Jehan Daruvala had an ordinary outing in his debut race at the Mexico City E-Prix. The 25-year-old Maserati driver, the lone rookie on the 2024 grid, faced an uphill battle, qualifying 17th and finishing 16th in the 37-lap race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
Daruvala’s teammate, Maximilian Günther, provided a contrasting performance, starting third and securing a commendable fourth-place finish. Günther’s performance contributed 12 crucial points to the team, underlining the competitive nature of Maserati in the Formula E circuit.
Reflecting on his debut, Daruvala expressed satisfaction with the learning experience. “I’m very happy to have completed my first weekend in Formula E. Today was my first time in full race conditions, and it was a very positive experience,” he said. The focus was on having a clean race and crossing the chequered flag to gather valuable insights for future races.
About Jehan Daruvala:
Both Daruvala and Günther showcased competitiveness early in the race, maintaining their starting positions in the opening phase. However, the dynamics changed with a full course yellow and subsequent safety car intervention on Lap 9, triggered by an accident involving Robin Frijns’s car. This incident neutralized the race and added a layer of complexity to the strategic decisions for the drivers.
In the later stages of the race, Daruvala executed a late overtake on ERT’s Dan Ticktum, securing the 16th position. Every on-track maneuver provided the Indian driver with crucial experience, contributing to his growth and adaptation to the unique challenges of Formula E.
As Daruvala looks ahead to the upcoming races, particularly in Diriyah, he aims to build on the lessons learned during his debut weekend. The ability to navigate full race conditions, coupled with strategic decision-making in dynamic situations, will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping Daruvala’s progression in the competitive world of Formula E.
While the Mexico City E-Prix might not have yielded the desired results for Jehan Daruvala, it marks the beginning of a journey filled with opportunities for improvement and success in the electrifying realm of Formula E.