With only two rounds remaining, one of the most exciting Formula E seasons to date is nearing it's close. From round one in Mexico to the most recent race in Rome, this season has had it's highs and lows, with nail-biting action throughout. So, as we head into the final rounds in London, what's the state of play in this year's championship battle? Let's find out!
Going into this season, many people, including myself, found themselves enamoured over the DS Penske line up of Jean-Eric Vergne; the first and only double Formula E Champion, and Stoffel Vandoorne; the reigning Formula E World Champion. Surely this had to be the strongest line up on the grid and the favourites for 2023? Well, things couldn't have looked more different after race one.
Jake Dennis in the Avalanche Andretti proved himself as an early championship contender with Porsche's Pascal Wehrlein also joining the fray after his double win in Diriyah. However, it wasn't long before the New Zealanders of Mitch Evans and Nick Cassidy showed up, making it a four horse battle for the crown that they are all clawing for.
For our pre-season championship favourites; DS Penske, however, it's been a rollercoaster, with only one pole; courtesy of Vandoorne, and one win; courtesy of Vergne. Just finishing in the points can sometimes be a challenge. (As a big fan of these drivers; it hurts.)
But let's look on the bright side. There have been some amazing drives so far this season from many drivers up and down the field. For example, after a bumpy start to the season, Maserati's Maximilian Günther took his first win during round eleven in Jakarta and Norman Nato scored Nissan's first podium as a manufacturer last time out in Rome. Unfortunately, despite some memorable drives, these drivers are mathematically out of contention for the championship.
So, let's go back to that four horse race which is made up of, in current championship order, Dennis, Cassidy, Evans and Wehrlein. If anything, they have proved that consistency has been key this season with eleven wins out of fourteen so far. However, despite this, it hasn't been the smoothest of rides for our championship contenders with the odd DNF and pointless finish here and there. This includes a mid-season blip for Dennis who, despite this, still finds himself in the prime championship position with 195 points compared to second place man; Cassidy's, 171. Surely this is Dennis' crown to loose? A statement that gained traction after Rome where a wobble sent Evans airborne over the top of Cassidy, knocking himself out of the race and Cassidy out of the points, creating a bigger buffer for Dennis as we go into the final rounds.
So, there we have it. Looking at the table above, Jake Dennis is the firm favourite going into London, with Evans' mistake in Rome possibly being the pivotal moment that sealed everyone's fate. Evans and Wehrlein, although still mathematically in contention, will need a miracle if they want it to be their year. Cassidy's chances are much higher. Still, this is Formula E and anything happens in Formula E. London is going to be one race weekend NOT to miss!
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