Formula E drivers' champion Pascal Wehrlein was forced to miss the end-of-season FIA prize-giving gala on medical grounds after his heavy shunt at the Sao Paulo ePrix.
The 30-year-old's title defence got off to a scary start in Brazil, where the 2024-25 Formula E season began.
The curtain raiser was on the same weekend as the year-ending F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but the ex-Sauber driver stole headlines from South American when his Porsche Formula E car ended up upside down in the streets of Sao Paulo.
That shunt prevented him from travelling to Rwanda to collect his championship trophy, after he beat Jaguar duo Mitch Evans and Nick Cassidy - who was also involved in the accident - to the 2023-24 Formula E crown.
Presenter Neil Cole highlighted that due to the spectacular accident Wehrlein had been advised not to travel to Kigali to collect his award.
"Unfortunately, I cannot be with you tonight due to the crash I suffered last week," the German said in a pre-recorded video message. "I didn't get the permission to jump into a plane, but I'm doing okay, and I am recovering from it.
"I want to congratulate all the teams and all the drivers for outstanding performance in 2024 and I wish you all the best for next season. I hope you have a great evening without me, and I'll see you soon."
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