Hughes tops FP1 standings despite late crash in season opener

Updated 13/01/2024 at 00:32 GMT

Two red flags in an action-packed opening practice race of the Formula E season saw McLaren’s Jack Hughes top the standings, despite crashing on the final lap to signal the end of the second. The British driver took the lead by nearly four-tenths of a second before losing control of the rear end of his car and slid into the wall. Pascal Wehrlein finished second and Nico Muller came in third.

ake Hughes of Great Britain and NEOM MCLAREN FORMULA E TEAM drives his car during the ABB FIA Formula E Championship – London E-Prix Round 16 – at the ExCel Arena.

Image credit: Getty Images

McLaren’s Jake Hughes was fastest in the first Formula E practice session of the campaign at the season-opening Mexico City EPrix.

The British driver forced the red flag on the last when he lost control of the rear end of his car and slid into the wall, causing significant damage to the vehicle.

Hughes, who had just crossed the line to go fastest by nearly four-tenths of a second and take the lead with a time of 1:14:364, was heard telling the team radio “everything was under control and it just snapped”.

The 29-year-old walked away unharmed and will gear up for Saturday’s practice session in a strong position.

Pascal Wehrlein (Tag Heuer Porsche) finished the first session of the season in second after posting a time of 1:14:745, while Nico Muller (Abt Cupra) settled for third.

Robin Frijns (Envision Racing) and reigning champion, Andretti driver Jake Dennis, wrapped up the top five in fourth and fifth respectively.

There was drama straight from the off in Mexico. Mitch Evans (Jagular TCS Racing) had the lead after clocking the initial fastest time of 1:15:617 before the first red flag after 10 minutes.

Maximilian Gunther (Maserati Racing) went wide on the last, slid through the gravel and into the wall as the iconic Peraltada corner of the Hermanos Rodriguez circuit got the better of the German.

Sebastien Buemi (Envision Racing), who eventually finished 11th, temporarily held the fastest time clocking in at 1:15:182 with Wehrlein – victorious in Mexico City in Season 8 – hot on his toes.

Dennis gave himself a fighting chance and moved up to second as 10 minutes were added due to the earlier red flag.

Evans regained the timesheet lead with 1:14:985 before the current No. 1 Dennis edged the lead with 1:14:8.

His time was beaten by just under a tenth before Hughes brought the race to a close, clocking the fastest time before suffering a late crash.

Saturday is race day, with the first race of Season 10 getting underway after a second practice session and qualifying, all live on TNT Sports.

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