{"id":35978,"date":"2025-07-14T13:13:02","date_gmt":"2025-07-14T17:13:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/?p=35978"},"modified":"2025-07-14T13:13:02","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T17:13:02","slug":"formula-e-in-berlin-oliver-rowland-wins-the-drivers-championship-as-jaguar-dominates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2025\/07\/14\/formula-e-in-berlin-oliver-rowland-wins-the-drivers-championship-as-jaguar-dominates\/","title":{"rendered":"Formula E in Berlin: Oliver Rowland Wins the Drivers&#8217; Championship as Jaguar Dominates"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Nissan&#8217;s Oliver Rowland became the Formula E Season 11 Drivers&#8217; Champion in Berlin, while Jaguar clinched\u00a0a double victory at Tempelhof.<\/p>\n<h2>How Did Oliver Rowland Secure the Formula E Drivers&#8217; Championship in Berlin?<\/h2>\n<p>Oliver Rowland becoming Season 11&#8217;s Drivers&#8217; Champion seemed inevitable after his excellent results at the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2025\/01\/13\/formula-e-rowland-outsmarts-porsche-and-takes-victory-in-mexico\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">beginning of the year<\/a>. He sealed the Formula E title in Berlin following Race 2, where a fourth-place finish gave him the points needed to win overall.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_36016\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-36016\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-36016\" src=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/07\/imago1064131550-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/07\/imago1064131550-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/07\/imago1064131550-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/07\/imago1064131550-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/07\/imago1064131550-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/07\/imago1064131550-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/07\/imago1064131550-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/07\/imago1064131550-1200x800.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-36016\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sport Bilder des Tages Jubelbild um Weltmeister Oliver Rowland GBR Nissan mit den Nissan Teammitgliedern, FIA Formel E Weltmeisterschaft Saison 11, Berlin E- Prix, Tempelhof, Berlin, Deutschland, 13.07.2025 *** Celebration picture around world champion Oliver Rowland GBR Nissan with the Nissan team members, FIA Formula E World Championship Season 11, Berlin E Prix, Tempelhof, Berlin, Germany, 13 07 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>His weekend did not begin smoothly. A collision with\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/12\/31\/stoffel-vandoorne-the-formula-e-rising-after-the-experience-in-f1\/\" target=\"_self\">Stoffel Vandoorne<\/a> in Race 1 forced him to retire after sustaining steering damage on Lap 33 at Turn 7.<\/p>\n<p>While Vandoorne finished 12th, Rowland was deemed responsible and received a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fiaformulae.com\/en\/news\/754341\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">five-place grid drop for Race 2<\/a>. Despite this setback, he remained focused.<\/p>\n<p>Although Pascal Wehrlein finished second in Race 1, he failed to maintain momentum in the following race. The German looked strong by securing pole position for Race 2, but ultimately experienced a disappointing race, finishing 15th.<\/p>\n<p>Wehrlein led much of the race, up to Lap 29 of 41, benefiting from teammate Antonio Felix da Costa&#8217;s support.<\/p>\n<p>Rowland, however, used his first attack mode at the right time, whereas <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fiaformulae.com\/en\/news\/754524\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Wehrlein slipped back down the grid<\/a>. By Lap 30, Rowland had moved towards the front and activated his second attack mode on Lap 34 to stay within the top ten.<\/p>\n<p>Thanks to a smart strategy, Rowland built up enough of a gap in the standings to clinch the title, regardless of Wehrlein\u2019s result.<\/p>\n<p><strong>READ MORE:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2025\/07\/14\/jonathan-wheatley-no-doubts-perez-is-capable-of-f1-comeback\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Jonathan Wheatley: \u201cNo Doubts\u201d Perez Is Capable of F1 Comeback<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>What Does the Teams&#8217; Championship Look Like?<\/h3>\n<p>Nissan has narrowed the gap to Porsche in the Teams&#8217; Championship after da Costa collected just five points across the Formula E Berlin weekend.<\/p>\n<p>The Portuguese driver had been on course for a third-place finish in Race 1, but a five-second time penalty for an aggressive move on Jake Hughes dropped him down the order.<\/p>\n<p>After the penultimate round, Porsche tops the order with 228 points while Nissan sits behind on 205. They also top the Manufacturers\u2019 Championship, holding 342 points compared to Nissan\u2019s 335.<\/p>\n<p>However, it remains a tight contest between the German and Japanese outfits, and will be decided at the\u00a0finale in <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2022\/08\/07\/formula-e-a-day-at-the-london-e-prix\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">London<\/a>, where one team will take the victory.<\/p>\n<p>Porsche has the advantage of consistently strong performances from both drivers. Nissan has struggled with their second driver. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fiaformulae.com\/en\/standings?season=4e287a6d-e2da-471a-9c8a-01141d6a1819&amp;tab=drivers&amp;period=latest\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Norman Nato<\/a> currently sits 19th in the drivers&#8217; standings, highlighting their dependence on Rowland, who has scored the vast majority of their points.<\/p>\n<p>Although Porsche appears to be the favourites, both drivers will need to deliver at their best to secure the title.<\/p>\n<h3>How Did Jaguar Win Both Races in Berlin?<\/h3>\n<p>Rain affected the entire Formula E Berlin double-header, making both free practice and qualifying sessions difficult.<\/p>\n<p>The unpredictable weather proved a great equaliser, allowing teams further down the order, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2025\/05\/06\/formula-e-nick-cassidy-scores-his-first-podium-of-2025-for-jaguar-in-monaco\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Jaguar TCS Racing<\/a>, to shine. Adapting to the GEN3 EVO has been a struggle for the team, with the car not suiting their strengths.<\/p>\n<p>Despite a win for Mitch Evans in <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/12\/08\/jaguar-in-sao-paulo-mitch-evans-wins-from-last-nick-cassidy-slips-at-the-end\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">S\u00e3o Paulo<\/a> and a podium for Nick Cassidy in Monaco, it\u2019s largely been a forgettable campaign. Until Formula E visited Berlin, that is.<\/p>\n<p>The British team defied expectations by taking victory in both races.<\/p>\n<p>Evans secured pole for Race 1 in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fiaformulae.com\/en\/news\/754189\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">shortened qualifying session<\/a> due to poor weather. He led most of the wet race with a solid strategy, pitting for his energy boost at the same time as Wehrlein, keeping the lead.<\/p>\n<p>His win in Berlin was his first points since the S\u00e3o Paulo opener, and he also now ties the all-time win record of 14 with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fiaformulae.com\/en\/news\/754220\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sebastien Buemi<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Cassidy\u2019s triumph in Race 2 was even more remarkable. Starting 20th, he climbed the order using well-timed attack modes and managed to fend off Jean-\u00c9ric Vergne and Jake Dennis in the closing stages.<\/p>\n<p>He also had more energy than his rivals, using it effectively to stretch his lead at the front.<\/p>\n<p><strong>YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2025\/07\/13\/chip-ganassi-gets-a-1-2-finish-at-race-2-at-iowa-speedway\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Chip Ganassi Gets a 1-2 Finish at Race 2 at Iowa\u00a0Speedway<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Will the Rookie Test Reflect the Performance of Season 11&#8217;s GEN3 EVO?<\/h3>\n<p>Whether the rookie test reflects the season\u2019s true performance levels depends on both car and driver quality, something still being evaluated in Season 11.<\/p>\n<p>Both elements are essential: a talented driver cannot perform without a competitive car, but the best machinery cannot compensate for a struggling driver.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fiaformulae.com\/en\/news\/754740\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">rookie test<\/a>, then, becomes a measure of both individual potential and team strength.<\/p>\n<p>Nissan and Porsche were expected to perform well, and they didn\u2019t disappoint. By the end of the morning session, Nissan\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2025\/02\/25\/f2-pre-season-testing-day-2-gabriele-mini-and-oliver-goethe-lead-the-way\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Gabriele Min\u00ec<\/a> topped the timesheets, reinforcing the car\u2019s competitiveness.<\/p>\n<p>Mahindra\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2022\/10\/20\/f3-kush-maini-indias-next-superstar\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Kush Maini<\/a> finished second in the session, building on the team\u2019s Race 1 podium with Edoardo Mortara.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, 2023 F2 champion <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2022\/12\/16\/theo-pourchaire-the-youngest-f2-and-f3-grand-prix-winner\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Th\u00e9o Pourchaire<\/a>, testing for Maserati MSG Racing, set the fourth quickest time, despite the car&#8217;s struggles this season.<\/p>\n<p>This suggests that while both car and driver matter, standout individual performances, such as Pourchaire&#8217;s, can go beyond the car&#8217;s limitations.<\/p>\n<h3>How Did Felipe Drugovich&#8217;s Debut in Berlin Go?<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2025\/06\/02\/drugovich-f1-has-always-been-priority-as-canada-chance-looms\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Felipe Drugovich<\/a> filled in for Nyck de Vries as Formula E headed to Berlin, who was competing in the 6 Hours of S\u00e3o Paulo for WEC. He delivered a commendable performance.<\/p>\n<p>His Race 1 outing was less successful, as he ended 17th and a lap down in tricky wet conditions. However, his prior Formula E testing experience helped ease the learning curve over the Berlin weekend.<\/p>\n<p>He adapted well and performed strongly in the drier Race 2, demonstrating his potential.<\/p>\n<p>Drugovich should be pleased with his debut, especially considering he outperformed fellow rookies Zane Maloney and David Beckmann, who are yet to score this season.<\/p>\n<p><strong>READ NEXT:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2025\/07\/14\/zak-brown-clean-norris-and-piastri-can-handle-title-fight\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Zak Brown: \u201cClean\u201d Norris and Piastri Can Handle Title Fight<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Main Photo<\/strong><\/p>\n<dl>\n<dt>Credit:<strong> IMAGO \/\u00a0PsnewZ<\/strong><\/dt>\n<dt><\/dt>\n<dt>Recording Date: 07\/13\/2025<\/dt>\n<\/dl>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Nissan&#8217;s Oliver Rowland became the Formula E Season 11 Drivers&#8217; Champion in Berlin, while Jaguar clinched\u00a0a double victory at Tempelhof. How Did Oliver Rowland Secure the Formula E Drivers&#8217; Championship in Berlin? Oliver Rowland becoming Season 11&#8217;s Drivers&#8217; Champion seemed inevitable after his excellent results at the beginning of the year. He sealed the Formula [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5492,"featured_media":36015,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2,9],"tags":[187,605,1686,27,2135,190,1716,496,2426,229,230,253],"class_list":["post-35978","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-formula-e","tag-antonio-felix-da-costa","tag-berlin-eprix","tag-felipe-drugovich","tag-formula-e","tag-jaguar-tcs-racing","tag-mitch-evans","tag-nick-cassidy","tag-nissan","tag-nissan-formula-e","tag-oliver-rowland","tag-pascal-wehrlein","tag-porsche"],"modified_by":"Emma Fisher","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35978","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5492"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35978"}],"version-history":[{"count":35,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35978\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36018,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35978\/revisions\/36018"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36015"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35978"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35978"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35978"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}