As Formula E returned to peloton-style racing in Sao Paulo, the single-race Sao Paulo E-Prix provided an exhilarating finish for the top three drivers. However, it also resulted in a disappointing retirement for one of the title contenders and some frustration for other top competitors. In this article, we will examine the winners and losers of the race in detail.
Sam Bird, who had experienced a relatively unsuccessful period in the past couple of seasons, secured a milestone victory for McLaren and the Gen3 Nissan car in Sao Paulo. Bird’s win showcased his characteristic determination and skill, reminiscent of his previous successes in Formula E. He strategically and efficiently overtook Mitch Evans on the final lap, despite challenging temperatures. This thrilling victory will be remembered as one of the most exciting moments in Formula E’s history.
Bird acknowledged the significance of his win but remained humble, recognizing the strength of other teams in the competition. He emphasized the importance of learning from the race and continuing to score valuable points in future races.
After a couple of inconsistent seasons at Jaguar, Bird’s move to McLaren seemed to have reinvigorated his performance. His boss, Ian James, expressed his unwavering belief in Bird’s abilities and felt that the victory was a testament to his experience, work ethic, and character.
Bird’s triumph was made even more special by the presence of Brazilian racing legend Emerson Fittipaldi, who waved him across the finish line with the chequered flag. Fittipaldi, who had won his second world title with McLaren in 1974, celebrated the team’s first win in Sao Paulo alongside Bird.
Nissan, which had struggled in the previous seasons, showcased its potential with the Gen3 design. The team managed the temperatures effectively in Sao Paulo, particularly with Bird at the wheel of the McLaren customer car. Alongside Bird’s victory, Oliver Rowland, a works driver for Nissan, secured a third-place finish for the second consecutive race. This success has given Nissan a boost as they head to their home race in Tokyo.
Rowland’s race was eventful, as he climbed from 11th to third place. He demonstrated excellent judgment and made bold overtakes to secure his position on the podium. His opportunistic move in the last corner to overtake Jake Dennis and Pascal Wehrlein was particularly impressive and showcased his skills as one of Formula E’s top street fighters.
Guenther and Maserati MSG faced challenges in Sao Paulo due to a penalty for a gearbox change, which was intended to improve performance. However, an additional issue with the inverter resulted in a stop-go penalty, further hindering Guenther’s race. Despite these setbacks, Guenther showcased his fighting spirit and made several impressive overtakes. He expressed his disappointment at not optimizing their position but still managed to earn a couple of points.
Porsche faced difficulties in coordinating their race strategy, leading to some confusion and missed opportunities. Wehrlein and da Costa encountered issues in the early stages, and the team struggled to maintain their position when Bird took the lead. Overtaking became increasingly challenging as energy targets increased, ultimately preventing Wehrlein from reclaiming the lead. Despite a generally well-executed race plan, Porsche was unable to fully capitalize on their strong position.
Cassidy, who had shown promise in the practice sessions, experienced a decline in confidence after failing to complete a fast lap in the second session. He expressed disappointment in his performance and took responsibility for his mistakes, particularly the damage to his front wing. These mistakes ultimately led to his race-ending collision with the wall.
Dennis, usually a strong contender, felt disappointed with his fifth-place finish. He attributed the disappointment to a lack of communication and strategy during the race, which hindered his progress. He acknowledged his own mistake in not switching to the correct mode and expressed confidence in the team’s ability to learn from their errors.
Buemi, despite a strong charge from 18th to 10th place, felt frustrated with his overall performance. He struggled with the temperature and felt the need to understand why he wasn’t performing at his best. Despite the challenges, he managed to secure the fastest lap and earn two points.
Frijns had a forgettable race, remaining unnoticed throughout most of the event. He encountered difficulties in qualifying, which set him back from the start. Additionally, late-race battery temperature spikes further hampered his performance, resulting in a disappointing last-place finish.
Overall, the Sao Paulo E-Prix provided thrilling moments and unexpected outcomes for the drivers. While some celebrated victories and podium finishes, others faced setbacks and missed opportunities. As the season progresses, these experiences will undoubtedly shape the dynamics of the championship.