The 2023/24 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship drew to a close in London, and for the first time in its 10-season history, a German driver was crowned Drivers' champion. Porsche's Pascal Wehrlein the one of three contenders split by just seven points heading into the finale able to convert the top prize when the chequered flag flew.
Wehrlein had it all to do from fourth, starting behind both Jaguars of Mitch Evans and Nick Cassidy, knowing that whoever finished ahead would most likely take the title.
The race could hardly have been more dramatic, with the trio running line-astern for the majority before the chaos kicked off with Cassidy suffering race end contact at the hands of an apologetic Antonio Felix da Costa (Porsche) and Evans failing twice to activate ATTACK MODE. Right place, right time for Wehrlein said Team Principal Florian Modlinger. In truth, Pascal looked to be in the box seat as he had when he won a day prior on Saturday in London: energy in-hand and the pace to beat the Jaguars.
An aggressive start and track position was a must and despite the energy and pace to race the Jaguars, with Evans the one in-front, he was met by the staunchest defence and that missed ATTACK MODE activation late on for Evans would prove decisive.
"We qualified in the top four but both Jaguars were in-front of us and we knew whoever finished in front would win the championship so I had to be aggressive," said the new 2023/24 Formula E Drivers' World Champion.
"I had to make the move early on in the race to put pressure on them and I tried the whole race to overtake but the defending was good. Sometimes, I feel it was above the limit but that is normal when we’re fighting in the last race of the season for the championship.
"I really enjoyed it – there was a couple of contacts here and there but in the end I’m just super happy for the team, myself and with my family here, it just feels awesome."
Fizzing atmosphere at London's ExCeL Circuit
Sold out, packed grandstands greeted the grid all weekend in London and there's no better place to seal the title.
"The grandstands were full and you get the noise in the car from the fans – it’s an awesome feeling, and it was when I crossed the line. I’m full of emotions," added Wehrlein.
"I love hearing the team screaming over the radio, hammering tables, crying and clapping – it’s a very special moment in the car. I get that feeling every time in a good qualifying or a race but obviously, today the volume was just that bit higher than usual."
Season's strongest performance
Wehrlein said he could see the title in his minds eye and had started to believe but on several occasions - knowing Formula E and top level motorsport as well as he does - he made it clear that he refused to take anything for granted, even after throwing down the gauntlet with the Round 15 win.
Hard work, resilience and perseverance delivered the crown - along with buckets of self-belief.
"It was relief crossing the line because I don’t let the pressure get to me because I always put the most pressure on myself," added the 29-year-old.
"I put the pressure on myself to win both races in London and have no excuses even if the last couple of races didn’t go to plan. We didn’t maximise our races and I didn’t feel comfortable in the car and here and there, I was uncertain about some stuff with how the car felt so it was no excuses coming into this weekend.
"Every day, every morning, every evening and every time training I believed in this – I told myself, ‘you can do this’. We executed it perfectly here from the first time we hit the track and were as strong as we’ve ever been – stronger."
How will he celebrate? Family time, and joining in the fun with his Porsche teammates.
"My favourite thing to do will be to play with my daughter – she’ll be in bed around 8/9pm but I guess that won’t happen as it’s already quite late! After that, I’ll celebrate with my team and we’ll properly celebrate tonight and collect those trophies!"