McLaren's First Formula E Win!
Sam Bird, Sao Paulo 2024, source: formulae.com
During the intense heat of the Brazilian Grand Prix, Bird found himself starting in fifth but quickly showed his mettle by leading at several junctures. Despite the challenging conditions that put a premium on energy management and pushed the cars to their thermal limits, Bird had to briefly yield his lead to Evans with six laps remaining.
However, Bird wasn’t done. On the final lap of the race, now extended by three due to safety-car interventions, he remained close behind Evans, ready to pounce. As they approached Turn 10, Evans opted for the inside line to defend his position. Bird, seeing an opportunity, veered to the outside. The decisive moment came at the fast left-hand kink of Turn 10, leading into Turn 11. Bird executed a flawless move around the outside, reclaiming the lead at the crucial 90-degree left turn, securing his victory just before the final stretch.
This win was a significant milestone for Bird, marking his first Formula E victory since his 2021 triumph in New York. Despite no longer being with Jaguar, this victory was a testament to his skill and perseverance.
Evans, struggling with a derating battery in the scorching conditions, managed to secure second place, marking his first podium of the season. The race also saw a dramatic finale for the third spot on the podium. Oliver Rowland, in a display of tactical brilliance, executed a stunning switchback maneuver on the final corner. This move allowed him to overtake both Jake Dennis and Pascal Wehrlein, earning back-to-back podiums for Nissan.
From the get-go, polesitter Wehrlein was in a league of his own, quickly building a lead. Meanwhile, da Costa made impressive progress from eighth, showcasing his skill and strategy to climb the ranks and briefly lead.
The narrative of the race was as much about strategy and precision as it was about speed. Bird’s win highlighted not just his driving prowess but also his strategic acumen, especially in leveraging his Attack Modes effectively and capitalizing on the dynamic race conditions.
