In order to win the first Hyderabad E-Prix, Jean-Eric Vergne displayed masterful energy management and defensive manoeuvres. Compared to Nick Cassidy’s four percent, the DS Penske driver had just one percent of usable energy when the last lap began. But he managed to withstand the strain and claim his first victory in nearly two years.
Jaguar TCS Racing seemed to have a significant lead on the brand-new course as the Hyderabad E-Prix practise sessions progressed. When Mitch Evans won the team’s first-ever pole position, that was further solidified.
However, during the race, things went wrong. Evans lost a few positions because Jaguar decided to activate Attack Mode early. A few laps later, Sam Bird attempted an inside move at the hairpin and collided with Evans. As a result, both drivers were compelled to retire.
The manufacturer will look back on the Hyderabad E-Prix as a race of squandered opportunities. Their potential was further underscored by the two Jaguar-powered Envision Racing vehicles’ impressive speed.
Vergne’s Win
Vergne took the lead after several incidents out front, and Cassidy of Envision Racing rose seven positions to take second. However, compared to Vergne, Cassidy had roughly 3% more energy in reserve.
As Vergne had only 1% energy going into the final lap, this created the conditions for a tight few circuits. He was able to hold off Cassidy and made it to the finish line with just enough fuel to give DS Penske its first victory of the year.
“It feels really good,” said an ecstatic Vergne. “Last year I had many podiums, but no win. So it’s been a while that I have not won; it was important to go back to victory.”
Sebastien Buemi, who finished third on the track, nearly put two drivers from Envision on the podium. He did receive a drive-through penalty for a power violation, though, and it was later changed to a 17-second time penalty. He fell from third to fifteenth in the final standings as a result.
Antonio Felix da Costa scored a podium finish in his 100th Formula E race thanks to Buemi’s disqualification, which also moved him up to third place.
Mahindra in Top 10
Mahindra Racing placed third in their opening home race. Oliver Rowland managed to finish sixth despite having front wing damage during the final few laps.
After receiving a five-second time penalty for breaching track limitations, Lucas di Grassi finished 14th.
After winning the previous round in back-to-back fashion, Porsche arrived in India. While they were unable to continue their winning streak in Hyderabad, Pascal Wehrlein’s fourth-place performance was still enough for him to maintain his 80-point lead over the competition as a whole.
Jake Dennis of Andretti is in second place overall with 62 points, and Vergne has passed Buemi to move up to third with 31 points.