Formula E: the 2 races that will decide the Porsche-Jaguar challenge | FP

By Carlo Platella
One success each for Porsche and Jaguar in Shanghai, with Evans’ success on Saturday preceding Da Costa’s victory on Sunday. The Chinese event keeps the fight for the drivers’ championship open, with Cassidy leading by 25 and 35 points respectively over Wehrlein and Evans. The constructors’ championship, on the other hand, begins to turn decisively towards England, with Jaguar 73 points ahead of Porsche. The challenge will be resolved in four E-Prix scheduled in Portland and Londonwhere there will be several potentially decisive factors.

From Portland to London

The final rush will begin in Portland, in the United States, another permanent high-speed track that features group ‘cycling’ races. “Portland will be the last group race, perhaps the most extreme. It will be decided in the last 2-3 corners, it will be really intense.” reflects Mitch Evans, winner in Shanghai on Saturday. However, compared to the 2023 edition, when platoon racing was still a novelty, since then all the teams have gained experience: “Over the last 12 months all the teams have learned to manage this type of racing. It will be extremely difficult, especially in game 1: to conserve energy, be in the right place at the right time and choose the most appropriate moment to attack.”

Even with race dynamics similar to those of Shanghai, Misano and Berlin, the Portland event will require specific preparation, increasing the unknowns. Evans continues: “Each track is different, also in terms of how you want to play with strategy, although the dynamics are similar in terms of energy management. Choose the right moment to push however, it is the critical aspect on which we are focusing. The team has managed these group races well since last year. I am confident they will choose the best approach for Portland.”

At the end of July the electric Circus will instead move to London, on the tortuous mixed indoor-outdoor circuit of the ExCeL whose tight hairpin bends reflect the characteristics of the Jaguar package. “London will be a good track for us again. We have to keep doing what we’re doing.”, confirms Evans. “It will be a more traditional race according to Formula E standards.” On the other hand, the limited overtaking difficulties in London will make qualifying potentially decisive, giving hope to Porsche and Wehrlein, who this year have been among the best interpreters of the flying lap.

Evans’ role

At Porsche, the only candidate for the drivers’ title is Pascal Wehrlein, considered to be 83 points behind Antonio Felix Da Costa. Different story for Jaguar, whose riders both still have world championship ambitions. “Portland will be a big weekend,” comments Evans. “I will need a good weekend to have a chance for the drivers’ title. The team has a certain margin over Porsche, but there are still important opportunities to score a lot of points”.

The ranking situation after the next two races will determine Mitch Evans’ role in the final round in London, whether as a domestique in support of Nick Cassidy or as a title contender: “After Portland it will be clearer what the approach will be for the last race. However, I’m trying to lighten the situation as much as possible, because I don’t have much to lose. I’ve already found myself in this situation other times, it seems almost normal to me.”

The New Zealander does not seem obsessed with the world title, reducing the risk of a fratricidal fight with Cassidy: “Mentally I’m still focused on this season, but I can’t wait for next season. I’m probably putting less pressure on myself than last year to win the championship, even if the title is still possible.” In the United States, scoring points will be the priority for Evans and Cassidy, with the Jaguar already having the opportunity to close the team title conversation. The winner of Shanghai concludes: “If we could have a clean weekend in Portland it would take so much pressure off the team for the teams championship. But Porsche is very strong, we expect a great fight”. A fight that hasn’t stopped exciting for two years.