Formula E: DS Automobiles Shines in Thrilling Season Opener in Brazil

• Season 11 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship began with an unpredictable race in São Paulo this Saturday

• In his first E-Prix with DS Automobiles, Maximilian Günther was in contention for a podium finish before an incident five laps from the end

• Finishing 9th in the Brazilian race, Jean-Éric Vergne scored the first two points of the season for DS Automobiles and their partner PENSKE AUTOSPORT

The first race of the 11th season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, held this Saturday in São Paulo, was particularly eventful, with two red flag interruptions. With Jean-Éric Vergne finishing in ninth place and Maximilian Günther in 11th, the result of this first E-Prix didn’t reflect the potential shown by the DS E-TENSE FE25 cars on the Brazilian circuit.

The French premium carmaker’s electric race cars initially displayed excellent performance during the qualifying sessions. Both DS Automobiles drivers made it to the duels stage, which pits the eight fastest drivers against each other. Maximilian Günther and Jean-Éric Vergne qualified fourth and eighth on the grid respectively for the season opener and made strong starts. After two laps, they were in third and fifth positions when a first incident brought out the safety car.

The use of “Attack Modes”, which now have a greater effect than before, combined with a track conducive to overtaking, resulted in constant position changes. With Maximilian Günther running third and Vergne in 12th, the race was interrupted by a red flag following a technical issue with a rival car.

Once the race resumed, DS Automobiles was well positioned to claim a 52nd podium finish in the electric single-seater series thanks to Maximilian Günther. Unfortunately, the German driver was involved in an incident at the first chicane and hit the wall, just seconds before another accident triggered a second red flag.

Forced by race officials to change the nose of his car, Maximilian was sent to the back of the grid in 14th position for the final sprint, which he finished in 11th place. As for Jean-Éric Vergne, he lost out after activating his ‘Attack Mode’ just before the red flag was waved, preventing him from using the extra power to gain positions. Nevertheless, the Frenchman fought back to finish P9 securing the first two points of the season.

As a result, the DS PENSKE team leaves Brazil feeling frustrated. However, the performances displayed by the drivers and the cars are very encouraging ahead of the next race in Mexico City on January 11.

Eugenio Franzetti, DS Performance Director:

“It’s really difficult to assess this race. Obviously, we’re not satisfied with the result and the two points from Jean-Éric Vergne’s 9th place. However, when we look at the events of the weekend, it’s clear that this result is due to a series of unfortunate events and doesn’t reflect our true level of performance. We were strong in both qualifying and the race. We were aiming for a podium before Max had his front wing damaged in an incident. As we had to change it during the race neutralisation, he was penalised with a 10-place drop when the field reformed for the final restart. As for JEV, he was very unlucky. When he activated his second Attack Mode, the red flag came out, and he couldn’t make the most of it. We’re leaving São Paulo disappointed with the result but fully aware of our potential and determined to show it in the next race.”

Jean-Éric Vergne, Formula E Champion in 2018 and 2019:

“It was really a strange race, and I admit that I’m frustrated. This year, you can gain a lot with the Attack Mode, and just after I activated my second one, the red flag came out. That was the end for me because I couldn’t regain positions against those who had fully exploited it to overtake me. At the same time, there were some crazy and almost incomprehensible things going on, like the way that competitors who had been penalised with a Drive-Through penalty were able to save energy and end up on the podium. The positive takeaway is that the car is performing well, and the team did a great job. So, I’m confident for the future, but we first need to digest this disappointment.”

Maximilian Günther:

“The final result is hard to accept because it doesn’t reflect our weekend at all. I’m really happy with the pace we showed on track, especially with my fourth place in qualifying. I feel great within the team, and our intense preparation really paid off here. Our race was very solid, and I’m 99% satisfied with it, as I was fighting for a top three finish before the incident. I didn’t score points today, but we know that’s part of Formula E, and some races are chaotic. In the end, we need to focus on the positive: our level of performance. I’m confident for the future.”

Key figures since DS Automobiles entered Formula E:

• 122 races
• 4 championship titles
• 16 victories
• 51 podiums
• 24 pole positions

PRESS CONTACTS

DS Performance : Nathalie Dumas  +33 (0) 6 60 26 10 37 –nathalie.dumas@external.stellantis.com

DS Automobiles : Benjamin Maigre  + 33 (0) 6 75 58 80 41 – benjamin.maigre@dsautomobiles.com