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Pascal Wehrlein Reflects on Terrifying Sao Paulo Crash and Safety Advances in Formula E – ‘Just wanted out’

David Castro by David Castro
December 13, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Pascal Wehrlein Reflects on Terrifying Sao Paulo Crash and Safety Advances in Formula E – ‘Just wanted out’

Reigning Formula E champion Pascal Wehrlein has spoken out for the first time about his dramatic crash at the Sao Paulo E-Prix that left his Porsche flipped upside-down, halting the race. The incident, which underscored the inherent dangers of motorsport, also highlighted the remarkable safety measures in Formula E that likely prevented a more serious outcome.


A Chain Reaction Leads to Disaster

The crash occurred at Turn 4, where Wehrlein maneuvered to position himself on the inside for Turn 5. Meanwhile, Jaguar driver Nick Cassidy, under pressure from DS Penske’s Max Günther, suffered steering damage from a collision. Unable to steer normally, Cassidy’s car inadvertently launched Wehrlein’s Porsche into the wall, flipping it onto its roll hoop.

“My first concern was that somebody could hit me from behind,” Wehrlein recalled, emphasizing the immediate need for red flags. “A situation like that is obviously much more dangerous when a car is upside down.”


Extraction: A Precision Operation

Despite being unhurt, Wehrlein was unable to exit the car and repeatedly called for rapid assistance over team radio. The medical and extraction team arrived promptly, carefully assessing Wehrlein for injuries before planning the safe removal of the Porsche 99X Electric.

“They are absolute professionals, and I am glad we have them,” said Wehrlein. “It was a shock, but I felt very conscious about my body. As I didn’t feel any broken bones, we quickly focused on turning the car around and getting me out in a safe manner.”


Praise for Formula E’s Safety Standards

Wehrlein highlighted the critical role of Formula E’s safety features in allowing him to escape unscathed. He credited the halo, the safety cell, and advancements in driver-specific equipment as instrumental in protecting him.

“It’s very likely that I would not have walked away from it like this without the halo,” he said. “But it’s not just about the halo—it’s the combination of all the different things that make these cars so safe these days.”

Wehrlein also stressed the importance of continual safety improvements, calling his experience a stark reminder that there is always room for innovation in motorsport safety.


A Champion’s Perspective

Wehrlein, unable to attend the FIA’s annual gala in Kigali, Rwanda due to medical advice, reflected on his race weekend. He secured pole position in Sao Paulo despite what he described as a less-than-perfect qualifying session.

“There were a few tiny mistakes on my laps, just not completely satisfying,” he admitted. “But we were still fast, which is good.”

Wehrlein’s pace during the race kept him in contention for the win before the crash. “Under normal circumstances, I think we could have fought for the win,” he said. “Strategically, everything went well, but the first red flag didn’t play into our hands. Still, we were definitely good for a podium.”


Looking Ahead to Mexico City

Despite the setback, Wehrlein remains optimistic as he turns his focus to the next race in Mexico City, a track where he has triumphed twice in the last three years. However, he faces a 22-point deficit to title rival Mitch Evans, who pulled off a sensational last-to-first victory in Sao Paulo.

With the strength of the Porsche 99X Electric and Wehrlein’s proven skill, the reigning champion looks poised to bounce back in the upcoming rounds, potentially putting himself back in the hunt for the 2024-25 Formula E title.

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