In Partnership with Formula E
Jean-Eric Vergne sealed the ABB FIA Formula E title on Saturday with a stunning drive in New York
The Techeetah driver finished the race in fifth despite starting from the back of the grid after his qualifying lap time was cancelled due to his team’s overuse of maximum power.
Britain’s Sam Bird, Vergne’s only remaining title rival, had started the race in 14th place and eventually finished the race in ninth. Any faint hopes of the DS Virgin driver winning the championship were extinguished when he was overtaken by Vergne on lap 16.
The race itself was won by outgoing champion Lucas Di Grassi – his second E-Prix victory in a row after his win in Zurich last month. His Audi teammate Daniel Abt finished second, despite the pair colliding. Sebastien Buemi, who started in pole, took the remaining spot on the podium.
With the season finale taking place the next day, Audi’s on-two finish left them them within five points off Techeetah in the team standings.
Despite it being a great day for Audi, the day really belonged to Vergne, who admitted to reporters later that he hadn’t realised he had done enough to seal the title when he crossed the line.
“I honestly didn’t know,” he said. “When I crossed the line I didn’t know I had won and I didn’t want to look at the screen.”
“All I know is that it’s a good feeling but to know the full extent of winning the championship, I don’t know yet, but I have waited all season for this.”
Elsewhere, both Panasonic Jaguar Racing drivers failed to finish the race, despite Mitch Evans starting the race in second on the grid. Andre Lotterer, Vergne’s teammate, also managed to climb to seventh place after being made to start in 19th place.
