Article

Pascal Wehrlein performed a Jeddah masterclass in Formula E's first race featuring Pit Boost and just one Attack Mode, cruising to a crushing victory.

The Porsche driver started in third and sat in the lead positions across the opening half of the race, before taking the lead mid-race on lap 15.

He did quickly lose the lead to Maximilian Günther who was the first to take attack mode, at which point Wehrlein dived into the pits for pit boost.

Wehrlein emerged from the pit lane ahead of all drivers who had already pitted and immediately took his own six-minute attack mode.

It saw the Season 10 Formula E world champion break away into the distance, to claim victory and the championship lead with ease.

There was drama before the race even got underway as Nyck de Vries suffered an issue on the grid, resulting in a delay to the lights going out while his car was removed from the grid.

The start worsened for Mahindra as the lights did go out, as Mortara had a shocking start from pole and slipped down the order. Elsewhere, an opening lap clash between Zane Maloney and Pepe Martí resulted in a safety car, as Maloney sat stationary on the side of the circuit.

When the safety car peeled back into the pit lane, the pace was impressive. Norman Nato led ahead of Maximilian Günther, Wehrlein, Taylor Barnard and Mortara. Crucially, all drivers still had pit boost and attack mode to take.

By at which point all drivers had taken pit boost, those who took attack mode first tumbled down the order towards the end of the race.

The bunched pack adrift of Wehrlein allowed those who took attack mode late to charge through the field, allowing Mortara and Mitch Evans to complete the podium.

Also interesting:

In this video, we explore a fascinating Mercedes engine theory that is engulfing the F1 paddock. We break down how it works, why it matters, and why this advantage — if real — may be brilliant, legal… but only temporary.