The Formula E title decider in London was a controversial affair, with team orders and strategic maneuvers taking center stage. The race saw Pascal Wehrlein emerge as the champion, despite initial concerns raised by his interview with Autosport. Wehrlein's victory was a result of a combination of his own skill and the strategic decisions made by his team.
One of the most notable incidents occurred during the first race, where Envision's Sebastien Buemi deliberately slowed down to assist his team-mate Joel Eriksson, causing Wehrlein to make contact with Jaguar's Antonio Felix da Costa and finish outside the points. Wehrlein described this as going "far beyond the line" and expressed his concerns about the increasing influence of team tactics.
Wehrlein's own performance was impressive, as he qualified for the final and dominated the opening contest. He built a three-second buffer at Turn 1 and held off challenges from Mitch Evans and Oliver Rowland. However, the real drama unfolded when Evans attempted to overtake Muller, but the latter's defensive driving prevented him from doing so.
The turning point came when Lucas di Grassi crashed, allowing Wehrlein to make a cheap pitstop and take the lead. Evans, who had been in a strong position, was left fighting for a top-10 finish. Wehrlein's victory in the first race gave him a five-point championship lead going into the second race.
The second race was a different story, with team orders once again taking center stage. Jaguar's Antonio Felix da Costa played the go-slow role, holding up Wehrlein and allowing Evans to make a double overtake. However, Wehrlein's determination and a late move at Turn 16 allowed him to reclaim the championship lead.
The final race was a chaotic affair, with Wehrlein's rivals starting from behind. Da Costa's aggressive driving and defensive maneuvers frustrated Wehrlein, who claimed his rival was trying to "ruin his race." The tension escalated when Wehrlein lunged down the inside of Jake Dennis at Turn 16, causing a collision that eliminated Dennis' title hopes. This incident sparked a heated exchange between the two drivers, with Dennis labeling Wehrlein's move as "embarrassing."
Despite the controversy, Wehrlein emerged as the champion, with Dennis finishing second. The rivalry between Porsche and Jaguar will continue into the Gen4 era, with the teams expected to compete fiercely for the title. The London E-Prix will be replaced by Brands Hatch, marking a new chapter in Formula E's history.
