DS Penske’s Maximilian Guenther delivered a stunning qualifying performance at the Jeddah E-Prix, securing his first Formula E pole position in two seasons. The German ace outpaced Tag Heuer Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein in an all-German final, setting a blistering 1:14.911 lap time to clinch the top spot for the first time since Jakarta in Season 9.
Guenther’s Qualifying Brilliance
Guenther’s DS Penske machine showed outstanding one-lap pace, reminiscent of the team’s strong qualifying form last season. Despite Porsche’s early dominance in Season 11, Wehrlein had to settle for second place, though he maintained his 100% front-row record in the championship so far.
Behind them, Oliver Rowland produced an impressive drive to secure third place, while rookie sensation Taylor Barnard turned heads by advancing all the way to the semi-finals, ultimately lining up fourth on the grid.
Top 10 Grid Positions
Position | Driver | Team |
---|---|---|
1st | Maximilian Guenther | DS Penske |
2nd | Pascal Wehrlein | Tag Heuer Porsche |
3rd | Oliver Rowland | Nissan |
4th | Taylor Barnard | NEOM McLaren |
5th | Mitch Evans | Jaguar TCS Racing |
6th | Nyck de Vries | Mahindra |
7th | Jake Hughes | NEOM McLaren |
8th | Dan Ticktum | ERT Formula E Team |
9th | Nick Cassidy | Jaguar TCS Racing |
10th | Jean-Eric Vergne | DS Penske |
How Qualifying Unfolded
Group A: Barnard Shines as Cassidy Struggles
In Group A, Taylor Barnard shocked the paddock by setting the early pace with a 1:18.200, four tenths ahead of teammate Sam Bird.
- Nick Cassidy and Antonio Felix da Costa found themselves in trouble early but attempted late recoveries.
- Nyck de Vries became the first driver to break into the 1:17s, only for Barnard to snatch back the top spot.
- Mitch Evans secured his spot in the duels, but Cassidy fell short, ending up eighth.
Group B: Rowland Puts Nissan on Top
- Stoffel Vandoorne initially led before being usurped by Dan Ticktum and Wehrlein.
- Oliver Rowland, after a slow start, delivered a 1:17.182 lap time to go fastest.
- Jake Hughes snuck into the top four at the last second, while Jake Dennis failed to progress after a costly mistake.
Duel Stages: Guenther’s Road to Pole
Quarter-Finals:
1️⃣ Guenther breezed past de Vries by seven tenths.
2️⃣ Barnard edged out Evans by just 0.014 seconds.
3️⃣ Wehrlein dominated Hughes, advancing by nearly a full second.
4️⃣ Rowland beat Ticktum by four tenths.
Semi-Finals:
🏁 Guenther vs. Barnard – A thrilling battle saw Guenther prevail by just under a tenth.
🏁 Wehrlein vs. Rowland – Wehrlein delivered a sensational final sector to knock Rowland out.
Final Duel: Guenther vs. Wehrlein
In a tight final, Guenther’s consistency in the final sector paid off, as Wehrlein faltered late, giving DS Penske their first pole of the season.
What’s Next?
Guenther’s pole sets him up for a strong shot at victory, but Wehrlein and Rowland will be serious contenders. With Jeddah’s fast and narrow layout, race strategy and energy management will be crucial in tonight’s first of two E-Prix races in Saudi Arabia.
Can Guenther convert pole into victory, or will Porsche and Nissan fight back under the lights in Jeddah? We’ll find out soon! 🔥