Formula E

Formula E in Jeddah: Max Günther defeats Oliver Rowland with an overtake in the final corners

Timo Pape

Timo Pape

Adam Pigott / Spacesuit Media

Maximilian Günther has won the first Formula E race in Jeddah. In an incredibly thrilling final phase, he attacked Oliver Rowland and overtook the Nissan driver before the very last chicane! Third place went to McLaren youngster Taylor Barnard. The new quick-charging pit stops were used for the first time in the race. There were no problems with the so-called Pit Boost.

After a splendid pre-race programme on the Red Sea, pole-sitter Max Günther got off to a good start and defended his lead into turn 1. Sam Bird was spun in the first chicane and dropped back. Further ahead, there was serious contact between Mitch Evans and second-placed Pascal Wehrlein: the Jaguar driver crashed into the rear of his Porsche rival, causing him to suffer a rear-right puncture. A short time later, Evans also slid into the rear of Nyck de Vries. Wehrlein dropped back and had to come into the pits to change his tyres, while Evans initially continued with a damaged front wing and smoke.

A few moments later, there was another spectacular accident: Nico Müller's Andretti hit Antonio Felix da Costa's Porsche in the braking zone, skidded along the wall and straight through the run-off zone of the chicane - an early exit for the Swiss driver. Felix da Costa suffered damage to his rear wing, but was able to continue. Despite the numerous incidents, no safety car came out onto the track. Günther extended his lead over Oliver Rowland in the opening laps. He was followed by Taylor Barnard, de Vries and Jake Hughes.

On lap 5, Evans also came into the pits to repair his front wing and dropped to the back of the field - and thus also behind Wehrlein. On lap 7, race director Marek Hanaczewski finally called the safety car onto the track to have debris removed from the circuit. A good decision for all the drivers who had lost touch at the start of the race and were now back on track. After one lap, however, the race continued at race pace.

Barnard opens Pit Boost chapter

Günther did well again at the rolling restart and put a small gap between himself and Rowland. On lap 10, de Vries attacked Barnard and snatched third place from the young Briton. The latter lost another position to Hughes when a tailback occurred a little later in a chicane: Barnard slid into the rear of de Vries, again sending body parts flying. Meanwhile, Norman Nato received a drive-through penalty for a technical offence.

While the Frenchman drove through the pit lane, his Nissan team-mate Rowland took the lead for the first time on lap 11. One lap later, Jake Dennis was the first driver to fire up his first of two mandatory Attack Modes. With full power and all-wheel drive, he fought his way forwards towards 5th place as expected. On lap 14, the first Pit Boost in Formula E history took place - by McLaren driver Barnard. Hughes and Felix da Costa also came into the pits to recharge and consequently dropped to the back of the field.

Hughes passed Barnard and followed the last-placed driver, Zane Maloney, around 15 seconds behind. All three "rechargers" went straight through the Attack Zone to make up the gap. While Rowland remained outside, his direct pursuers also came in for a Pit Boost. Günther lost places in the pits to Hughes, Barnard, de Vries and finally Felix da Costa. In this chaotic phase, it was difficult to tell who was really benefiting and who was losing time.

Günther puts the pressure on

On lap 20, the standings were once again "adjusted" in terms of Pit Boost utilisation: Rowland continued to lead, albeit ahead of Hughes and Barnard. However, De Vries was in Attack Mode and quickly fought his way up to second place. However, he was more than 4.5 seconds behind Rowland. Günther was also in Attack Mode now and worked his way forwards again. Barnard had no chance against the German. Hughes initially defended successfully, but then had to let Günther go.

After 23 of 31 laps, Rowland was in a commanding lead with a 3.7-second advantage over de Vries, who had Günther breathing down his neck. Hughes, Barnard, Edo Mortara, Jean-Eric Vergne, Felix da Costa, Dennis and Bird followed in the top 10. None of them, however, had yet to get their second Attack Mode - so there was still no breathing space. On lap 25, both de Vries and Günther drove through the Attack Zone one after the other. Despite the same performance, the German overtook his opponent on the way to turn 8.

The race leader Rowland then reacted and went into his second Attack Mode to prevent Günther from getting too close. However, the German drove like he was unleashed and reduced the gap from 3.2 seconds to just over a second. Günther also had a good one per cent more energy than Rowland - it was shaping up to be an exciting finale.

Thrilling final phase

Three laps before the end, race control announced that Rowland and Vergne were being investigated for a possible pit stop offence - initially without result. Barnard took third place from de Vries on lap 29. Then everything focussed on the battle for victory! Günther showed himself and tried to go round the outside, but Rowland defended himself. The final lap began and the tension continued to rise. Barnard was now also right behind. Rowland, however, was running out of energy... Günther kept up the pressure and attacked before the final chicane!

In fact, he made it round the outside! In a magnificent finale, Günther secured the race win ahead of Rowland. Barnard finished third ahead of de Vries and Hughes. "What a race, I'm so happy! I thought at one point that it was going to be nothing when I dropped back so far. But I had the patience until the last bend", said a relaxed Günther on the radio.

With 2nd place, Rowland has taken the lead in the drivers' championship. Felix da Costa is still second thanks to 9th place, while Günther has climbed to third overall. Porsche is just ahead of the teams, but only three points ahead of DS Penske. In the manufacturers' championship, Nissan has taken the overall lead and is now ahead of Porsche and Stellantis. Jaguar is only fourth.

The action continues on Saturday with the second race at the Jeddah E-Prix. It starts again with a free practice session at 11am, with the race starting again at 6pm (CET).

Results & times

Overall standings (drivers, teams & manufacturers)

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