Formula E races in London on 26 and 27 July. It is a double-header race and the finale of Season 11 at Excel London.
Oliver Rowland heads into the London E-Prix as the newly crowned Season 11 Drivers’ Champion, meaning there is less pressure on him to win.
Nevertheless, the Brit’s composed attitude suggests he remains focused and eager to perform well, despite already securing the title in Berlin.
Speaking to Formula E ahead of the London weekend, Rowland said:
“I really like the London circuit, even though I have not been too successful here until last season
We’ve been racing at this track for many years, so everyone is familiar with it.
It’s a fun circuit to drive and we know what’s required from the car in terms of energy management.
Part of the circuit has been resurfaced, which will hopefully give us more grip.
I’m expecting the races to be tough physically, with overtaking set to be difficult.
Pit Boost and Attack Mode strategies will be crucial to gaining positions.
I’m feeling relaxed after winning the drivers’ title in Berlin, but we still have the teams’ and manufacturers’ championships to fight for, so we’ll go all in this weekend and enjoy these last two races.”
His success last year has shifted his mindset, giving him more confidence at this circuit. Rowland demonstrated his racecraft in London last year by charging from ninth on the grid to take victory in front of his home crowd.
Both the Teams’ and Manufacturers’ Championships will be decided in London, with the standings currently too close to call.
TAG Heuer Porsche and Nissan are the two frontrunners, occupying first and second place respectively as they arrive in the British capital.
Although Porsche currently leads, Nissan remains within striking distance, thanks largely to Rowland’s incredible efforts this season. They also face pressure from McLaren’s standout rookie, Taylor Barnard, who now sits third in the Drivers’ Championship.
Barnard overtook Antonio Felix da Costa in the standings after outperforming him across both Berlin races.
As a result, da Costa must come back from a disappointing weekend in Berlin and deliver a strong performance to keep Porsche’s title hopes alive.
However, Nissan will struggle more to win both championships as Rowland has scored 184 of their 205 points this season, while Norman Nato has struggled to match his form. His best result is sixth place.
Turning to the Manufacturers’ Championship, Porsche again leads, helped by customer teams Andretti and Cupra Kiro.
Nissan has likewise benefited from its customer team, McLaren, which has significantly enhanced their title chances.
Six of the 22 drivers on the grid in Season 11 will be competing at their home event in London: Sam Bird, Jake Dennis, Jake Hughes, Dan Ticktum, Oliver Rowland, and Taylor Barnard.
Both Bird and Dennis have previously won in London, and will be aiming for at least a podium finish, or, at the very least, points.
Additionally, Barnard and Bird will be especially motivated to deliver a strong performance for NEOM McLaren, as the team prepares to exit Formula E at the end of this season.
Given this, both drivers will want to end McLaren’s tenure on a high, with Barnard in particular eyeing his maiden win.
Meanwhile, Ticktum will be hoping to score more points for Cupra Kiro, especially as his teammate David Beckmann has scored none so far this season.
Ticktum’s only points finish since Berlin came in Race 1, where he placed eighth, though it is worth remembering his victory in Jakarta the race before that. The Briton will be determined to rediscover that winning form after a less-than-ideal weekend in Berlin.
Arriving in London, the first driver change for Season 12 has been confirmed with Nick Cassidy leaving Jaguar TCS Racing.
The British team will no doubt miss Cassidy as he has scored four wins, seven podiums and a total of 278 points for them.
Team Principal James Barclay told Formula E:
“Nick is an exceptional racing driver and a very astute competitor as the world can see from his performances.
He has impressed everyone in the team with his unwavering dedication to win and I’m proud of the role he’s played in our team success.
On behalf of the whole team, I’d like to thank Nick and wish him all the best for a successful future – starting of course with the final race weekend of the 2024/2025 Season in London, where together we’ll still be fighting as hard as ever for points, podiums and wins.”
It is not confirmed yet where the Kiwi will be driving next year, but there are rumours that he will be at a team powered by Stellantis. He will likely partner Stoffel Vandoorne at Maserati MSG in Season 12.
Meanwhile, Barnard will be eager to secure a new seat for next season, given McLaren’s impending departure from the series. Although it remains uncertain which team might sign him, Barnard’s impressive rookie year has undoubtedly caught the eye of many.
Rumours have linked him to a potential partnership with Maximilian Günther at DS Penske, but only time will tell.
The London E-Prix stands out on the Formula E calendar thanks to its indoor/outdoor circuit design. Designed by British architect Simon Gibbons, the 2.09 km, 22-turn track offers a unique test for drivers and engineers alike.
The circuit combines a slippery indoor surface with grippier outdoor asphalt, as well as elevation change, creating opportunities for overtaking.
Additionally, energy usage is relatively low here, allowing drivers to push harder for longer during the race.
Qualifying, however, remains crucial. No driver has finished on the podium from lower than ninth on the grid.
Weather conditions could also pose a challenge. The indoor/outdoor layout leaves the track susceptible to the UK’s unpredictable rain.
Heavy rain has previously forced Formula E to red-flag a London race. This weekend’s forecast hints at a slight chance of rain, which could once again affect proceedings.
All 11 Formula E teams are preparing for the final race weekend of Season 11, as London prepares to host the all-electric spectacle.
All Times BST:
25/07
4:00 PM – 5:10 PM: Free Practice 1
26/07
10:00 AM – 11:10 AM: Free Practice 2
12:20 PM – 1:43 PM: Qualifying for Race 1
5:05 PM – 6:00 PM: Race 1
27/07
10:00 AM – 11:10 AM: Free Practice 3
12:20 PM – 1:43 PM: Qualifying for Race 2
5:05 PM – 6:00 PM: Race 2
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