AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Formula 1
      • STANDINGS
    • Circuits
    • WRC
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Formula 1
      • STANDINGS
    • Circuits
    • WRC
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

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.

Share215Tweet134Send

Related Posts

Lewis Hamilton Dubbed “Hero of the Day” by Sarcastic Fernando Alonso: F1 Feud Escalates
Motorsports

Lewis Hamilton Endures Catastrophic Spanish GP Struggle: “Worst Experience,” No Positives

Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time champion, has not shied away from expressing his utter disappointment after what he labeled as the...

by Harry Stone
June 2, 2025
Lance Stroll Unleashes Fury in Aston Martin Box After Shocking Q2 Elimination
Motorsports

Lance Stroll Unleashes Fury in Aston Martin Box After Shocking Q2 Elimination

Lance Stroll's Mysterious Injury and Outburst Shake Up Formula 1 Paddock In a shocking turn of events at the Barcelona...

by Harry Stone
June 2, 2025
Max Verstappen’s Terrifying Near Miss with Charles Leclerc Sparks High-Speed Drama
Motorsports

Max Verstappen’s Terrifying Near Miss with Charles Leclerc Sparks High-Speed Drama

In a heart-stopping turn of events at the Spanish Grand Prix, Max Verstappen found himself in the eye of the...

by Harry Stone
June 2, 2025
Ferrari Chief’s Desperate Plea Over Hamilton’s Struggles: Can F1 Legend Bounce Back?
Motorsports

Vasseur Urges Ferrari: “Claim Victory Over McLaren or Risk Falling Second!

Ferrari's Team Principal Demands Victory: "We Won't Settle for Second Place. Updates? Sometimes They're Invisible" In the high-octane world of...

by Harry Stone
June 2, 2025

Recent News

VW alcança marco histórico de 180 milhões de automóveis produzidos

VW anticipates voluntary departure of more than 20,000 workers.

June 3, 2025
BYD apresenta a “Super e-Plataform” que permite carregamento tão rápidos como o abastecimento a gasolina

BYD may invest in building a factory in Portugal.

June 3, 2025
Nova geração do Nissan Leaf vai ser apresentada este ano

Nissan reveals new details of the third generation of the Leaf, ahead of its debut.

June 3, 2025
BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 entra em produção

The BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 goes into production.

June 3, 2025

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Formula 1
      • STANDINGS
    • Circuits
    • WRC
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

Enable Notifications OK No thanks