Evans: Last lap like driving a 'Gen1 car'

Mitch Evans has admitted that his first podium of 2024 was "bittersweet", as an overheating battery on the final lap made his Jaguar I-TYPE 6 feel like a "Gen1 car".

Evans started the São Paulo E-Prix in fourth and remained in the leading group for the entire race, before taking the lead in the closing laps. It appeared that he timed his move to perfection, only to suffer from de-rating on the last lap.

This was caused by an overheating battery and meant he could not use full power, making his car feel "like I was in a Gen1 car”. Sam Bird was able to find a way past the Kiwi as a result, although it did require a special overtake from the McLaren driver.

“It’s bittersweet I would say," Evans said. "A few laps to go I thought it was going to be for us again [after winning in Brazil last year] but started getting some temperature warnings quite quickly and then it escalated on the last lap.

“I had a huge de-rate on the last lap with the power. I think even if Sam didn’t overtake me [where he did] he probably would have got me to the start/finish line.

“A bit frustrating, I had lots of energy left, I was just trying to bring it home but just two corners shy.”

'Super happy' for Bird

Whilst Evans was somewhat disappointed with second, he was delighted for his former teammate Bird.

Bird has undergone a challenging few years, with his victory on Saturday having been his first since Season 7.

“I’m really happy for Sam, he’s had a tough few seasons so to see him get a win again in his new colours – he looks good in orange – I’m super happy for him," added Evans.

"Got some good points. I would have taken second coming into this weekend just in terms of my championship position, but the win was right there…. I just had no power, so he would have got me to the line anyway, I was a bit of a sitting duck.”