The 2024 Formula E season didn’t just deliver breathtaking on-track action—it unraveled dramatic sagas behind the scenes that shaped the year. From jaw-dropping overtakes to intense rivalries and the emotional rollercoaster of drivers under pressure, the electric racing series reminded us why it’s one of motorsport’s most compelling championships. Here are the five most dramatic storylines of the year.
1. Sam Bird’s Redemption: Sao Paulo’s Moment of Magic
Sam Bird’s journey from Jaguar’s struggles to a rebirth at McLaren was nothing short of remarkable. After a tough few years on and off the track, Bird entered 2024 with renewed vigor. His highlight? The move of the season at the Sao Paulo E-Prix.
In the final laps, Bird hunted down his former teammate Mitch Evans, whose Jaguar was grappling with thermal issues. Despite managing his own battery temperatures, Bird executed a stunning overtake in the penultimate corner to claim a dramatic victory. The paddock erupted, and even journalists couldn’t hide their admiration.
Behind the scenes, Bird’s journey wasn’t just about racing. Personal and professional challenges had tested his resilience, but his victory brought back the famous Bird smile and reminded everyone why he’s one of Formula E’s finest.
2. Driver Market Madness: A Game of Chess
Formula E’s 2024 driver market was as unpredictable as ever, with big moves, secret negotiations, and a few twists. The drama revolved around Stoffel Vandoorne, Jake Hughes, Maximilian Guenther, and, most intriguingly, Antonio Felix da Costa.
Vandoorne’s underwhelming tenure at DS Penske ended with his move to Maserati, while Guenther filled his vacated seat. Meanwhile, da Costa’s uncertain future at Porsche became a central storyline. With teams juggling dual Formula E/World Endurance Championship schedules and calendar clashes looming, the chessboard of driver moves made for gripping off-track entertainment.
3. Cassidy’s Heartbreak in Portland
Nick Cassidy’s Portland E-Prix was a masterclass in near-triumph turned disaster. Leading with just over a lap to go, Cassidy made a small error at Turn 10, spinning out and losing critical points in his title fight. Jaguar’s pit was a mix of anger and dejection, as Cassidy was consoled by his team while Mitch Evans, his teammate, dealt with his own penalty-induced frustrations.
The behind-the-scenes fallout raised questions about Jaguar’s team strategy and communication. Cassidy’s emotional reflections after the race revealed the weight of the moment:
“I believe winning that race would have locked in the title today.”
4. Jaguar’s Triumph and Tragedy in London
The season finale in London’s ExCeL center was a rollercoaster for Jaguar. The team claimed its first-ever teams’ and manufacturers’ titles, but Pascal Wehrlein and Porsche stole the drivers’ championship from under their noses.
Cassidy and Evans entered the final race as title contenders, but strategic missteps and a chaotic race let Wehrlein snatch victory. Cassidy’s emotional post-race frustration and Evans’s cold demeanor painted a stark picture of a team torn between celebrating its successes and lamenting missed opportunities.
5. Da Costa and Porsche’s Rift and Redemption
Antonio Felix da Costa’s second season at Porsche started disastrously, with poor form sparking tension within the team. In secret, Porsche tested Nico Mueller as a potential replacement, fueling speculation about da Costa’s future.
The tension peaked during the Tokyo E-Prix weekend, where whispers of the Mueller test leaked, exposing the rift. However, da Costa silenced critics with an incredible comeback, winning five races and playing a key role in Porsche’s title campaign. By season’s end, the once-fractured relationship seemed patched up, proving that winning can heal most wounds.
The Takeaway: Drama Fuels Formula E’s Allure
The 2024 Formula E season wasn’t just about the cars or circuits—it was a testament to the human stories that drive motorsport. From personal redemption to team dynamics and high-stakes rivalries, Formula E delivered a season of raw emotion and unforgettable drama.
As we head into 2025, fans can expect more of the same: unpredictable racing, off-track intrigue, and the constant evolution of the world’s most electrifying motorsport.