Formula E is back on track, with the São Paulo E-Prix kicking off Season 11 as Mitch Evans claims the first victory of the season
Formula E is Back: Evans Wins a Chaotic São Paulo E-Prix
For the first time in Formula E history, the Gen3 Evo cars with all-wheel drive debuted in Season 11, though the race started with a slight delay. Robin Frijns encountered an issue with his car, leaving Envision to compete with only one driver: Sébastien Buemi, who ultimately finished eighth.
The electric racing championship wrapped up its opening weekend with Mitch Evans claiming victory despite starting from the back of the grid.
Earlier in the day, Pascal Wehrlein secured pole position, with Oliver Rowland lining up alongside him in second.
Rowland led the race from the start, followed closely by Wehrlein and Max Günther.
As is often the case in Formula E, the Safety Car made an early appearance, deployed after just two laps. Retirements included Jake Hughes and Nico Müller.
The race was later red-flagged when Jake Dennis stopped on track. The Andretti car appeared to suffer from an isolation issue, making it unsafe to handle.
Following the restart, an incident between Wehrlein and Nick Cassidy resulted in the German’s Porsche overturning. Fortunately, the reigning Season 10 World Champion emerged from the car unharmed.
With only five laps remaining, the race was interrupted again to remove Wehrlein’s damaged car from the track.
At the final restart, Evans seized the lead and held on to claim victory, crossing the finish line ahead of António Félix da Costa and Taylor Barnard.
Mitch Evans’ magic from last to first place, Cassidy’s sour Saturday
Mitch Evans faced a tough challenge as he missed the qualifying session due to a technical issue with his car. Starting last on the grid, expectations were low.
On the other side of the Jaguar garage, Nick Cassidy managed a tenth-place qualifying position but fell short of making it to the duels.
However, Formula E once again showcased its competitive and unpredictable nature. Evans made an impressive start, climbing to P12 within just two laps.
In the final stint of the E-Prix, Jaguar executed a flawless strategy. Both Evans and Cassidy carved their way through the field, positioning themselves in first and second with six laps remaining.
Unfortunately, Cassidy’s race ended in disappointment following the collision with Wehrlein, which dropped the Jaguar driver out of the points.
READ MORE: How Mitch Evans Became Jaguar Flag-Bearer In FE
Rowland, Nato, and Barnard penalties could be a problem
Three drivers – Oliver Rowland, Norman Nato, and Taylor Barnard – were penalized for an excessive energy boost during the race.
The controversy stems from the fact that this issue is beyond the drivers’ control, as it is managed by the teams or potentially linked to a technical fault.
Notably, both Nissan and McLaren use the same software for energy management, which could explain the problem observed in São Paulo. However, only the coming races will reveal whether the issue was a one-off or if it requires a deeper resolution from the teams.
Nato and Barnard received their penalties earlier in the race, while Rowland’s was handed out in the final laps.
The penalty proved costly for Rowland, robbing him of a chance to fight for the win and leaving him to finish in P14
Barnard’s new record and McLaren’s great São Paulo E-Prix
Taylor Barnard secured his first Formula E podium this weekend. The young Brit raced three times last season, filling in for Sam Bird after his injury.
This is Barnard’s first full season as McLaren’s official driver. At the São Paulo E-Prix, he became the youngest podium finisher in Formula E history, aged just 20 years and 189 days.
McLaren had plenty to celebrate in Brazil. Sam Bird finished fourth, right behind Barnard.
The Papaya team now leads the Teams’ Standings with 27 points. Jaguar is second with 25, while Porsche sits third with 21.
READ NEXT: Formula E: What to Expect in Season 11
