The 2024/25 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship launched in spectacular fashion in São Paulo, with Mitch Evans (Jaguar TCS Racing) making history by becoming the first driver to win from the back of the grid, after starting from 22nd in the debut race for the GEN3 Evo car. Featuring 111 overtakes, five leaders and dramatic moments including two Red Flags, the race delivered one of Formula E’s greatest spectacles.
The action-packed race was punctuated by a Safety Car and two Red Flags, including one following a dramatic crash involving reigning Champion Pascal Wehrlein, whose Porsche ended upside down after hitting the wall. Thankfully, Wehrlein was unharmed. The introduction of a powered-up ATTACK MODE, now with a four-wheel drive boost, added a new layer of strategy, enabling Evans to charge through the field late in the race.
“To be honest I’m just trying to process everything,” said Evans! “Obviously, I wasn’t expecting this after misfortune in qualifying, not getting any laps and starting at the back. I was just hoping to pick up some points and start the season but found myself up 18 places on the first lap and was in the mix quite quickly. Then my focus shifted, thinking maybe I can get myself some more points, maybe a podium, but I also had some good fortune with some people getting damage in some crashes.
“Obviously, it’s great to see Pascal [Wehrlein] walk away from that accident. I had to get a little bit lucky – it was a crazy race, very hard to manage the strategy and know what to do at what time. Full credit to everyone at Jaguar – this was a sweet one.”
Former leader Oliver Rowland (Nissan Formula E Team) delivered a strong performance but was dealt a harsh blow with a late drive-through penalty, denying him a potential victory. NEOM McLaren capitalised on the chaos, with Taylor Barnard and Sam Bird storming from 17th and 16th on the grid to finish third and fourth. Barnard, aged 20 years and 189 days, became Formula E’s youngest-ever podium finisher, surpassing Daniel Abt’s record set in 2015.
Mahindra Racing’s Edoardo Mortara secured fifth place, followed by Norman Nato (Nissan Formula E Team) and Nyck de Vries (also Mahindra Racing) in sixth and seventh, respectively. Sebastien Buemi (Envision Racing), Dan Ticktum (CUPRA KIRO), and Jean-Éric Vergne (DS PENSKE) completed the top 10. Following his penalty, Rowland finished in 14th after leading for much of the race.
With this stunning performance, Evans now leads the Drivers’ standings, while NEOM McLaren sits atop the Teams’ table.
Formula E heads to Mexico City for Round 2 of Season 11 on January 11 2025.
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