Wehrlein left upside down as huge crash blights Formula E opener

Mitch Evans won the Formula E season-opener from last on the grid; however, it was overshadowed by a terrifying accident.

A huge crash for reigning world champion Pascal Wehrlein blighted the season-opener in Brazil, as his Porsche was sent airborne and flipped over. 

The scary crash was caused following a collision between Wehrlein and recent title rival Nick Cassidy, which will be investigated after the race. 

In winning, Evans became the first driver in FE history to win from last. Porsche’s Antonio Felix da Costa claimed second, ahead of 20-year-old rookie Taylor Barnard. 

Barnard became the youngest-ever FE podium finisher.

Opening stages

It was Wehrlein who had started the race from pole position, but lost the lead into the first corner to Oliver Rowland.

Rowland led the opening stages, before a crash between Nico Müller and Jake Hughes triggered a safety car on lap three.

Once the race restarted, Rowland led from Wehrlein and DS Penske’s Maximilian Günther. The first safety car lasted multiple laps due to extensive debris on the circuit, bit did restart two laps later.

Following the restart several drivers activated their first attack mode, which saw the cars go to 350kW of power and all-wheel drive.

It made a staggering difference, with Nick Cassidy having taken the lead from 10th when the race restarted.

Sam Bird, Taylor Barnard and Norman Nato all received drive through penalties, due to using too much power at the start.

This looked like it would end their races, only for the chaos to welcome them back into the fight at the front later on.

Double red flag chaos

In true FE fashion, the attack modes had a huge impact on the order. Once the first of two attack modes had been taken by all drivers, Rowland led.

However, the Briton, crucially, activated his second attack mode just seconds before a first red flag of the race was flown after Jake Dennis came to a halt.

A red flag was forced due to his car being unsafe to touch. It was a lengthy red flag, but when the race restarted it was da Costa on pole.

Rowland was alongside him, with Wehrlein in third. Crucially both Jaguars had its second attack mode to use. 30 minutes after the red flag was flown, and finally the race was able to restart.

It was restarted with a standing start, with eyes also being on the McLarens at the back who had an attack mode to use and a big energy advantage.

As the lights went out, it was again Rowland who made the best start; however, he received a shock drive through penalty for using too much power.

Everything was suddenly forgotten though, after Wehrlein’s terrifying crash on lap 30. It will be investigated after the race and caused another long red flag.

It was restarted with a rolling start, with Evans having been in the lead having started in last. He controlled the remainder of the race well, and won ahead of da Costa.

Barnard became FE’s youngest-ever podium finisher, having recovered incredibly from his drive through penalty. Bird and Mortara completed the top five.