As Season 11 of Formula E draws to a close, the Manufacturers’ and Teams’ championships are just one thread of the weave to be unravelled at the London E-Prix.
A team’s championship showdown at the London E-Prix
After starting back in November, Season 11 of Formula E has been dominated by one driver: Oliver Rowland. Wrapping up the title last time out in Berlin, his run to the title has been spectacular.
Meticulous consistency and the ability to salvage results from terrible situations have put Rowland and Nissan a cut above the rest in Season 11. Rivals failed to capitalise on the rare poor race from the Briton, allowing Rowland to create an unconquerable championship lead.
Coming into London, the pressure is firmly off Rowland, as he can now race knowing the title is secure. Nissan however will still expect maximum performance from the newly crowned World Champion. It is in prime position to take the Team’s as well as the Manufacturer’s titles, battling with Porsche. A clean sweep of titles would be a statement of intent for Season 12.
But this is just one of the many stories waiting to be wrapped up at the London E-Prix. Formula E is preparing to say farewell to drivers, a team, with some facing an uncertain future.
McLaren’s end of the road
Since McLaren took over the former Mercedes outfit for Season 9, it has carved out its own individual legacy in the sport.
Determination in the face of adversity has marked McLaren’s tenure in the sport, with truly incredible standout moments. One moment etched into the team’s memory will no doubt be Sam Bird’s epic win in Brazil back in 2023.
The Briton pushed the Jaguar of Mitch Evans to the limit, and made a last lap pass to secure a well-deserved victory. To date, it has Bird’s latest win.
The papaya cars have featured towards the front of the grid this year in the hands of Taylor Barnard. Another win seemed a question of if rather than when. But the young rookie is still learning, and has let precious opportunities slip through his fingers.
The news that McLaren would leave Formula E shocked the paddock. A venture into Endurance racing was cited as the reason behind the decision. However, despite offering a buyer a race-winning operation, the team will close at the end of the season, with no bidders. Team Principal Ian James will head to Jaguar.
This leaves both drivers on the open market. Barnard has taken three podiums, putting himself at the top of several teams’ shopping lists. His confirmation for Season 12 at another team is likely elematary at this stage. Bird by comparison, has struggled, and sadly looks set to be leaving Formula E.
Coming into the weekend, McLaren has a record of eight podiums, one win, and two pole positions. Not a bad record. The team will want to go out with a bang, and will push hard to achieve it.
Nick Cassidy’s farewell to Jaguar
After such a strong Season 10, hopes were high for Nick Cassidy and Jaguar coming into Season 11. But the season has proved to be nothing short of a disaster.
Retirements, crashes, and appalling luck have blighted the New Zealander’s season, as Jaguar struggled for consistency and pace.
Cassidy has cut a frustrated figure in the paddock, making the most of his good results. A podium finish in the chaotic wet Monaco race seemed to be a turning point, but this proved to be a false dawn as woeful luck resumed.
Flashes of brilliance were on display this season when Lady Luck finally paid Cassidy a visit. His expertly crafted his way through the field in Berlin to take a victory that acted as a statement of intent.
His departure from Jaguar seemed to be on the cards for a while. Although disappointing for all involved, it allows driver and team to move on. Cassidy’s destination remains unclear.
The divorce is by mutual consent, so London will act as a swansong for driver and team ahead going their separate ways. Expect maximum attack from Cassidy all weekend.
Drivers out of contract with a point to prove or a last gasp effort to save their seat?
Nick Cassidy is not the only driver to be potentially leaving the sport after the London E-Prix. Maserati drivers Stoffel Vandoorne and Jake Hughes face the chop. Who will step into the void remains unclear. Both need strong weekends.
Despite his impressive victory, Dan Ticktum also is at risk of losing his seat. However, given the Briton’s meteoric rise this season and prominence in Amazon’s Formula E show, he is likely to stay on the grid. Where remains to be seen. Expect Ticktum to push for victory in London.
Fellow Cupra Kiro driver David Beckmann is at high risk of losing his seat. While Ticktum has shined this season, Beckmann has very much been in his team-mate’s shadow. He one of only two drivers to not score a point this season. Cupra Kiro will want to see results this weekend.
Andretti’s Nico Mueller and Porsche’s Antonio Felix Da Costa are the final two at risk. Da Costa is rumoured to be searching for a way out to replace Cassidy at Jaguar, but this has yet to materialise. Muller’s challenging season means he could leave Andretti, but his destination is also unclear. Both will push hard in London to secure their futures.
