Review: The 10 biggest topics of the 2024 Formula E year (part 2/2)

As the 2024 motorsport year draws to a close, we take a look back at what was. From heroic resurrections and dazzling debuts to dramatic title deciders, the tenth Formula E season delivered some great stories that will live long in the memory. This is the second part of our big review (to part 1).

6. Major successes & brutal defeats for Jaguar

For Jaguar TCS Racing, 2024 was a rollercoaster ride. With the addition of Nick Cassidy alongside Mitch Evans, the "big cat" had finally matured into a title contender. And Jaguar celebrated great successes. For example, the 1-2 finish at the prestigious Monaco E-Prix. And, of course, winning their first teams' world championship in Formula E. The new manufacturers' trophy also went to Great Britain, not to rival Porsche.

Nevertheless, it was a bittersweet year for Jaguar. In terms of low points, Cassidy's driving error in Portland remains in the memory - a decisive setback in his title bid. And then came London. Cassidy more or less said goodbye to the championship fight on Saturday due to a botched team strategy and was then shot down by Felix da Costa the following day. Team-mate Evans dramatically missed an Attack Mode and also lost the drivers' title as a result. Both would have deserved the championship - but both came away empty-handed.

7. Wehrlein becomes 1st German Formula E champion

In contrast to Pascal Wehrlein. The Porsche driver had come to London in third place with more of an outsider's chance, but delivered when it counted. Wehrlein withstood the immense pressure, initially defeating Evans and Cassidy on Saturday from third on the grid and also finishing ahead of Evans in the final. He thus surprisingly clinched the first world championship title for a German driver in Formula E!

8. Extreme E's quiet farewell

After Extreme E had held two race weekends in Saudi Arabia and Scotland until July 2024, the off-road electric series announced a "revised racing calendar", cancelling the upcoming X Prix in Sardinia and the USA and effectively bringing its fourth and final season with battery-electric cars to an inglorious end. There was to be no more word on the racing calendar until the end of the year.

It was already clear that the series would continue as Extreme H in 2025. On 11 December, the new name "FIA Extreme H World Cup" was proudly announced. When the first hydrogen season will start, where it will be held and who will take part is still completely unclear shortly before the turn of the year. With Rosberg X Racing, the next top team has just said goodbye.

9. Pre-season testing with a difference

Due to the devastating rainfall in the Valencia region, the traditional Formula E pre-season test had to be re-organised in short term. In a remarkable feat of strength, the series moved to Madrid with all their cargo, where the test programme was able to take place almost as planned. The long-planned "women's test" was also carried out. The fastest time of the week on the Circuito del Jarama was set by Mitch Evans in the Jaguar.

10. World champion roll-over at the Gen3 Evo debut

Just before the turn of the year, the debut race of the new Gen3 Evo cars was scheduled. The all-wheel drive - particularly showcased by the reinvigorated Attack Mode - impressed many. In combination with the softer tyres from Hankook, the drivers were almost three seconds faster on a lap in Sao Paulo than in spring 2024. There was a lot going on at season opener. Mitch Evans' victory from last place on the grid is definitely worth mentioning in this review. That had never happened before in Formula E.

The scene of the weekend, however, belonged to Pascal Wehrlein. The world champion put his foot down in qualifying and secured his first points of the season with pole position. In the race, he was battling for victory in the leading group when he came into contact with Nick Cassidy. Wehrlein rolled over and came to rest upside down. He escaped without any significant injuries.

e-Formula.news would like to take this opportunity to thank you for a thrilling motorsport year in 2024. We wish you a happy new year and all the best for 2025!