Jake Dennis declares Formula E 'title hunt on' after emotional Andretti perfection

Jake Dennis has declared that the "title hunt is on" in his pursuit of a second Formula E drivers' title after an emotional victory in the Sanya E-Prix.

It was as perfect a day as Dennis and Andretti could have imagined, with the Briton and rookie team-mate Felipe Drugovich securing first and second in qualifying before finishing first and second in the race.

History was made for the American squad, which had never previously locked out the front row in qualifying or the top two steps of the podium.

Dennis controlled the opening stages of the race before settling into the pack to preserve energy, then charged back to the front in the closing laps while using his second Attack Mode.

Having been with Andretti since joining Formula E at the start of 2021, being part of such a historic moment for the team meant a great deal to Dennis. It was also highly emotional for personal reasons.

"It's always a very special day for any team to get a one-two the way we did," Dennis told RacingNews365. "A one-two in qualifying and a one-two in the race. It's no easy feat and, yeah, just a very, I guess, emotional day for myself.

"I've been here from day one, and to see us improve, to see Felipe come on so well and push me so hard, it's great to see. 

"They're massive points for the championship in terms of the teams' standings. That's something we've always wanted to work on, and to get as many points as we have is a testament to how much work we're putting in, really."

Dennis' title hopes 'revamped'

Crucially, with the top four in the championship all failing to score a point, Dennis has moved right back into genuine title contention.

With six rounds remaining, the Season 9 world champion sits fifth in the standings, 34 points adrift of the championship lead, having scored 28 points in Sanya alone.

After taking the chequered flag, Dennis immediately told race engineer Sean McGill that the title fight is back on, something he firmly believes.

Asked if the title hunt is alive, Dennis replied: "Definitely. I said that as I was speaking to Sean on the in-lap. I was like, 'This revamps our championship. It's massive points.'

"I got 28 this weekend, I'm only 34 behind, so I only need one more race like this, and a little bit of misfortune for the others over the next few races, and we're straight back in it.

"So, yeah, the title hunt is on, and I'm feeling good."