featured 111 overtakes, five different leaders, and two Red Flags

Mitch Evans makes history with last-to-first win in São Paulo as Formula E debuts Gen3 Evo era

December 7, 2024 Richard Alvin

The 2024/25 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship began with an electrifying São Paulo E-Prix, as Mitch Evans achieved a historic last-to-first victory for Jaguar TCS Racing in the debut race of the GEN3 Evo car.

Starting from 22nd on the grid, Evans defied the odds to claim the win, marking a milestone in Formula E’s history.

The dramatic race featured 111 overtakes, five different leaders, and two Red Flags. A major incident involving reigning champion Pascal Wehrlein saw his Porsche flip after hitting the wall, though Wehrlein escaped uninjured. The introduction of a powered-up ATTACK MODE, offering a four-wheel drive boost, proved pivotal, enabling Evans to execute a stunning charge through the field.

António Félix da Costa, driving for TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, secured second place, while Taylor Barnard, driving for NEOM McLaren, completed the podium, becoming the youngest-ever podium finisher in Formula E history at 20 years and 189 days. Barnard overcame a chaotic start, including a damaged front wing and a Drive-Through Penalty, to deliver a standout performance.

NEOM McLaren’s Sam Bird finished fourth, followed by Mahindra Racing’s Edoardo Mortara in fifth. The top 10 also included Norman Nato (Nissan Formula E), Nyck de Vries (Mahindra), Sebastien Buemi (Envision Racing), Dan Ticktum (CUPRA KIRO), and Jean-Éric Vergne (DS PENSKE).

Former leader Oliver Rowland (Nissan Formula E) fell to 14th after a late Drive-Through Penalty dashed his hopes of victory.

Emerson Fittipaldi, Alberto Longo, Deputy CEO and Chief Championship Officer of Formula E, on the grid – Photo by Simon Galloway/LAT

Evans, reflected on his stunning achievement, said: “I wasn’t expecting this after misfortune in qualifying. After gaining 18 places on the first lap, I started thinking maybe a podium was possible. It was a crazy race, very hard to manage. Full credit to Jaguar—this was a sweet one.”

António Félix da Costa praised the competitive spirit of the race while acknowledging the dangers highlighted by Wehrlein’s crash: “What Mitch achieved is incredible. It’s a reminder of the respect we need in this sport. I’m glad Pascal is okay.”

Taylor Barnard expressed disbelief at his podium finish: “I didn’t have a speech prepared! The team did an amazing job with strategy, and Sam [Bird] protected me at the end. I can’t believe I’m standing here.”

The São Paulo E-Prix welcomed motorsport legend Emerson Fittipaldi, accompanied by his son Emerson Jnr, who toured the NEOM McLaren and Lola Yamaha ABT garages and mingled with drivers, adding further prestige to the event.