Formula E made a stop in Jeddah for the third and fourth rounds of the season and Maserati MSG Racing did not disappoint.
A Formula E Weekend Full of Surprises and Confirmations
The 2024-2025 Formula E season continues to deliver spectacle and unexpected turns. The doubleheader in Jeddah highlighted the competitiveness of the championship, featuring tight duels and refined strategies.
The duel-based qualifying format proved its unpredictability once again, while energy management and strategic use of the additional power were crucial to the final results.
The overall competitiveness of the teams is rising, with several contenders battling for the top positions. Maserati, with their recent performances, have shown that it is a strong competitor this season.
After a strong first E-Prix with both cars finishing in the points, the Italian team secured a valuable podium with Jake Hughes, who delivered a solid and exciting race.
Stoffel Vandoorne, despite a penalty that forced him to start from the back of the grid, recovered positions and finished in sixth place. With this result, Maserati now hold fifth place in the Constructors’ championship with 43 points.
Jake Hughes: Steady Growth and First Podium with Maserati
Jake Hughes has demonstrated great adaptability and determination in his first year with Maserati MSG Racing.
After a promising start to the season, the British driver secured his first podium with the Italian team, proving his rapid development.
“I’m really happy for myself but even more for the team. Changing teams in Formula E is not easy, but they have helped me tremendously to get up to speed with the car.” – Jack Hughes.
One of the most notable aspects of Hughes’ early performances is his seamless integration into Maserati MSG Racing.
Switching teams in Formula E is never an easy task, as drivers need to quickly adapt to new powertrains, car setups, and team dynamics.
Hughes himself acknowledged the steep learning curve, mentioning how crucial it is to understand the car’s behaviour to extract its full potential.
One of the highlights of Hughes’ race was his intense battle with Taylor Barnard with NEOM McLaren. Fighting for second place, Hughes pushed hard to overtake his rival but faced strong defensive manoeuvres from Barnard.
At Turn 1, he attempted a decisive move but had to take the escape route to avoid contact, ultimately deciding to give the position back to avoid a penalty.
“It felt like it was a little bit on the edge, but I’m super happy with today. We executed the strategy perfectly, managed the Attack Mode well, and secured a podium – what more could I ask for?” – Jack Hughes.
READ MORE: Formula E: Oliver Rowland Back on Top as Taylor Barnard Proves Talent in Jeddah
Vandoorne: Spectacular Comeback and Valuable Points
While Hughes shone at the front, Vandoorne put on a show with an impressive comeback.
The Belgian had an excellent qualifying session, making it to the semi-finals of the duels, but a technical infringement in parc fermé forced him to start from the back of the grid.
Despite this setback, the 2022 world champion managed his race intelligently, climbing through the field thanks to effective energy strategy and aggressive yet clean overtakes.
Vandoorne finished in sixth place, securing crucial points for the team.
“Starting from the back and finishing sixth is a good result, though I feel I could have fought for much more if I had started from the front row. The car is competitive, and we can be proud of this collective achievement.” – Stoffel Vandoorne.
One team. 💙#maseratimsgracing pic.twitter.com/o94Lav1BHu
— Maserati MSG Racing (@maseratimsg) February 15, 2025
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Stoffel Vandoorne: The Formula E Rising Star After F1 Experience
Standings and Prospects for Maserati
With 43 points in total, Maserati MSG Racing are now in P5 in the Constructors’ championship, demonstrating steady progress.
The team has already secured four consecutive points finishes since the start of the season, a clear sign of the competitiveness of the Stellantis powertrain.
Hughes has claimed his first podium of the season, while Vandoorne continues to showcase his experience with solid performances and remarkable comebacks.
The Stellantis powertrain, equipped by Maserati, has demonstrated its incredible potential by powering DS Penske’s Maximilian Günther to a podium finish, taking the top spot.
The result is especially encouraging for the first Italian driver to experience the potential of this new powertrain, as it bodes well for future races.
The optimism surrounding the performance is evident, as the team and driver alike look forward to the upcoming challenges with confidence, hoping to build on this success and continue battling for podiums.
The next stop will be the inaugural race in Miami, scheduled in six weeks.
Maserati MSG Racing aim to build on this positive momentum and push even higher. The team has proven that it has what it takes to consistently fight for top positions, and the quest for their first win of the season is now officially underway.
READ NEXT: Formula E: Friday Glory and Saturday Disappointment for DS Penske in Jeddah
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / PsnewZ
Recording Date: 14.02.2025
