It’s been a while, but Formula E is back in action in São Paulo to kickstart Season 11. With a new car and line up, the drivers and teams looked ready for the first practice session of the weekend.
Having a look at the new driver line up for the season, Andretti’s Jake Dennis, is now joined by Nico Müller. Maximilian Günther joined Jean-Éric Vergne at DS Penske, and Maserati MSG welcomed Stoffel Vandoorne and Jake Hughes to their team. Frenchman Norman Nato completes the driver line up for Nissan, taking over from Sacha Fenestraz.
Formula E also welcomed a new pack of rookies, like Zane Maloney, who was the support driver for Andretti. NEOM McLaren driver, Taylor Barnard, who stepped in for the injured Sam Bird in Season 10, is also officially back on the grid. The final rookie to join the roster is David Beckmann, a young German driver, who was the reserve driver at Porsche. He stepped up to join the newly named Kiro team.
The first times were in
The first official practice session was officially underway and CUPRA KIRO made their way on to the track. The session started off without any incident. The drivers were keen to get another feel of the new GEN3 Evo cars, after testing in Madrid. Although the drivers took turns topping the timesheets, one driver who stayed consistent was Sebastian Buemi, in the Envision. He put in impressive laps, reminiscent of his old self.
Unfortunately for Andretti, Nico Müller clipped the wall, sustaining a left rear suspension damage, ending his session early. The chicane was proving to be tricky on entry for some drivers, leading to run-ons. Reigning world champion Pascal Wehrlein had a close call in the hairpin.
Similar, but less severe than Müller, Oliver Rowland also clipped the barrier at the hairpin, but was able to continue.
Too close for comfort 👀
— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) December 6, 2024
Oliver Rowland is finding the limits early on São Paulo 🤏#SaoPauloEPrix pic.twitter.com/cLNlYIBtqg
Final moments
The Envision cars were flying because Robin Frijns clocked a time of 1:10.632. A strong drive from Frijns, clearly enjoying the Jaguar power unit.
Halfway through FP1 ⌛️
— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) December 6, 2024
It's @Envision_Racing's Robin Frijns who is leading the way ⚡️#SaoPauloEPrix pic.twitter.com/SxJFG3Fdqo
Lucas Di Grassi also showed glimpses of his former self in the new Lola Yamaha ABT team, after a tough last season, only scoring 4 points.
Just as the session was coming to a close, Jaguar driver Mitch Evans shot up to P1, before Dennis overtook him. However, Norman Nato and Rowland were the ones to look out for because the duo were putting in some impressive laps, with Rowland moving to the top with a 1:10.162.
Trouble for Evans, but a strong finish for Nissan
Evans came to a stop down the main straight. He got his car running again, but the yellow flags were already out, followed by the chequered flags. Unlucky for the New Zealander, but the first session went to the Nissan drivers.
The new GEN3 Evo cars showed great speed and potential and that advantage went to Nato and Rowland. Dennis completed the top three, followed by Edoardo Mortara. Taylor Barnard also showed impressive speed, finishing his first FP1 session fifth, just 0.300s behind the lead.
That's FP1 done and dusted! ✅
— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) December 6, 2024
Nissan lead the way with a 1-2 in São Paulo! 👊#SaoPauloEPrix pic.twitter.com/yzuqqAn2qs
