As Formula E returned to pack-style racing in São Paulo, the São Paulo E-Prix was a unique race that provided an exciting 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 gone through a relatively unsuccessful period in the last few seasons, secured a historic victory for McLaren and the Nissan Gen3 car in São Paulo. Bird’s win showcased his determination and characteristic skill, reminiscent of his previous successes in Formula E. He strategically and efficiently overtook Mitch Evans on the final lap, despite the challenging temperatures. This thrilling victory will be remembered as one of the most exciting moments in Formula E history.
Bird acknowledged the importance 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 few inconsistent seasons at Jaguar, Bird’s move to McLaren seems to have revitalized his performance. His boss, Ian James, expressed unwavering belief in Bird’s abilities and felt that the win 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 to him as he crossed the finish line with the checkered flag. Fittipaldi, who won his second world title with McLaren in 1974, celebrated the team’s first victory in São Paulo alongside Bird.
Nissan, which had faced difficulties in previous seasons, showcased its potential with the Gen3 design. The team managed temperatures effectively in São Paulo, especially with Bird behind the wheel of the McLaren customer car. In addition to Bird’s victory, Oliver Rowland, Nissan’s official driver, secured a third place for the second consecutive race. This success gave Nissan a boost as they head to their home race in Tokyo.
Rowland’s race was eventful as he climbed from 11th to third position. He showed excellent judgement and made daring overtakes to secure his place on the podium. His opportunistic move on the last corner to overtake Jake Dennis and Pascal Wehrlein was particularly impressive and showcased his skills as one of the top street fighters in Formula E.
Guenther and the Maserati MSG faced challenges in São Paulo due to a penalty for a gearbox change, aimed at improving performance. However, an additional issue with the inverter resulted in a stop-and-go penalty, further complicating Guenther’s race. Despite these setbacks, Guenther showed his fighting spirit and made several impressive overtakes. He expressed his disappointment for not optimizing his position, but still managed to secure some points.
Porsche struggled with coordinating their race strategy, leading to some confusion and missed opportunities. Wehrlein and da Costa faced issues in the early stages, and the team fought to maintain their position when Bird took the lead. Overtakes became increasingly challenging as energy targets rose, preventing Wehrlein from regaining the lead. Despite a generally well-executed race plan, Porsche failed to fully capitalize on their strong position.
Cassidy, who had shown promise in practice sessions, experienced a confidence drop after failing to complete a fast lap in the second session. He expressed disappointment with his performance and took responsibility for his mistakes, especially the damage to his front wing. These errors ultimately led to the collision that ended his race.
Dennis, usually a strong contender, was disappointed with his fifth place finish. He attributed the disappointment to 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 recovery from 18th to 10th place, was frustrated with his overall performance. He struggled with 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, going unnoticed for most of the event. He faced difficulties in qualifying, putting him at a disadvantage from the start. Additionally, battery temperature spikes towards the end of the race further hindered his performance, resulting in a disappointing last place finish.
Overall, the São Paulo E-Prix provided thrilling moments and unexpected results 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 championship dynamics.
2024
After a season filled with emotions and twists, sports fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief. The 2024 season was one of the most exciting in recent history, with incredible games and surprising performances.
In football, Flamengo’s team showed its strength and won the coveted title of the Brazilian Championship. With a talented squad and a strategic coach, the Rio de Janeiro team dominated the competition and brought the trophy home.
In basketball, Flamengo’s team also did well and won the NBB title. With skillful players and a solid defense, the team showed its superiority on the court and was crowned champion.
In volleyball, the Sesc RJ Flamengo team also shone and won the title of the Women’s Superliga. With an efficient team game and a powerful attack, the Rio de Janeiro team showed that it is a force to be reckoned with in the sport.
Additionally, motorsport fans also had reasons to celebrate. Brazilian driver Felipe Massa won the Formula E title, showing all his skill and speed on the tracks.
In the world of tennis, Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia also stood out and won important titles. With impeccable technique and enviable determination, the tennis player showed that she is one of the great promises of the sport in the country.
These were just some of the great achievements of Brazilian sports in 2024. With talented athletes and a passionate fan base, Brazil continues to stand out on the global sports scene. Here’s to more achievements and emotions in the next season!
