Explained: How Stoffel Vandoorne's "risky strategy" led to a surprise Formula E victory in Tokyo

Stoffel Vandoorne surprisingly secured victory in Saturday's Formula E race thanks to an early Pit Boost. It was the first Maserati success in a year, and also in Tokyo of all places. In an interview after the race, Vandoorne expressed his happiness that the Maserati team's risky tactics had paid off and explained the coup. It is the Belgian's first win since the 2021/22 season, a good three years ago.

Maserati MSG Racing's plan worked like a charm! Stoffel Vandoorne, who started the race from 14th on the grid, deliberately used up so much energy at the start that he was the first driver to come into the pits very early for his Pit Boost. To be able to use the Pit Boost, the battery level must be below 60 per cent according to the regulations. He therefore also used his Attack Mode early.

When Max Günther's retirement brought out the red flag at almost the same time, the Belgian's luck was perfect. After the restart, he gradually passed all the drivers ahead of him, who were only able to recharge later. He eventually found himself in first place. Vandoorne had been given so much time by the neutralisation of the race that he led the field by around 20 seconds.

The plan went very well 👏@svandoorne securing his first race-win since Season 8 for his team @maseratimsg! #TokyoEPrix pic.twitter.com/dVEJXpQeOj

- Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) May 17, 2025

Vandoorne: "Got lucky with the red flag"

"I am over the moon that our plan worked out. It was a risky strategy to use up so much energy so early. We were the first to come in," said the 33-year-old on Formula E's TV world feed shortly after the race, adding: "We were really lucky with the red flag. I was able to catch up with the field again. It just went well."

Even a spin towards the end of the race could not stop him. Although Oliver Rowland in second place came within 8.140 seconds of the season 8 world champion, Vandoorne ultimately took his victory safely across the finish line. However, Lucas di Grassi still holds the record for the biggest lead at the finish. It dates back to 2015 and stands at 13.884 seconds.

It is Vandoorne's first victory since the 2022 Monaco E-Prix - 49 races ago. Just like last year with Maximilian Günther, Maserati MSG triumphed again in Tokyo. Part 2 of Formula E's "double-header" in Japan is already coming up on Sunday.