With 11 of the 16 rounds of the FE Season 11 in the books, it feels as though we’ve had a season’s worth of drama, even though five rounds remain. We’ve had comeback stories, weather chaos, new technology, and tight team fights. As the Gen3 EVO era comes into full swing, here’s where we stand as Round 12 gets set to kick off.
Top of the Class
Oliver Rowland has been on a redemption arc that rivals any storyline from this year. After bouncing around the grid, mainly between Mahindra and Nissan, the Nissan driver has placed his stamp on Season 11. With 171 points, 68 points clear of his nearest challenger, Rowland has a firm grip on the Drivers’ Championship. Wins in Mexico, Tokyo, and a double-podium, including another win in Jeddah, have made Rowland the man to beat. It’s safe to say that the Gen3 EVO spec and regulations have fit him like a glove.
Pascal Wehrlein, not to be forgotten, sits second in the standings with 103 points after 11 rounds. The Porsche driver’s season has been a bit of a rollercoaster so far. Wehrlein has been dominant in qualifying, but inconsistent in race trim. He is still very much in the hunt with five races still remaining.
Antonio Felix da Costa, in third place, has also shown why he’s still in the hunt too. After an absolute thriller of a 2023-2024 season, which included four E-Prix wins, da Costa has looked much sharper this year. As he is Wehrlein’s teammate, Tag Heuer Porsche has a strong claim for the best all-around driver lineup.
Team Titans
Tag Heuer Porsche sits atop the Teams’ Championship with 191 points. As mentioned, the Wehrlein-da Costa duo has proved that they can deliver when the team strategy clicks. They have been quick, aggressive, and a serious threat.
With their driver topping the Drivers’ Championship standings, the most complete operation of the season could be Nissan. The Japanese outfit sits second in the Teams’ Championship with 190 points. Rowland’s consistency and a great bunch of support drives from Norman Nato have put Nissan on par with Tag Heuer Porsche all season.
DS Penske finds themselves in third, with 145 points. Jean-Eric Vergne and Maximilian Gunther have both grabbed wins, but reliability and downright odd strategic calls have cost them momentum. However, when it works, it does work well for the DS Penske team.
Season 11’s Highlights and Hiccups
Five of the biggest highlights of the FE Season 11 so far:
- Mitch Evans’ stunning win in Sao Paulo: From last to first… need we say more?
- Guenther’s win in Jeddah: An absolute masterclass in on-track strategy and defensive driving.
- Taylor Barnard’s rookie season: P4 with five rounds left? That’s one way to make your mark in a series.
- Rowland in Tokyo: Nissan couldn’t have asked for a better script for their home e-Prix.
- Nick Cassidy in Shanghai: Now that is how you race in the rain!
New rules have also shaken things up in FE Season 11. The introduction of Pit Boost at double-headers has added a layer of strategy, and often a bit of tension. Additionally, rookie practice sessions and tests have brought some fresh faces to the grid. It will be interesting to see what those sessions lead to for those young drivers.
But it hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows for teams and drivers this season. McLaren has remained stuck in the midfield despite Barnard’s incredible debut season. Evans and Cassidy have not lived up to the predicted Jaguar one-two punch. Both FE rookies haven’t found their feet, as Zane Maloney hasn’t been able to score a point for Lola so far. And, of course, there have also been some “interesting” calls and disqualifications that left fans scratching their heads.
The Fight Isn’t Over Yet
With five rounds to go, including races in Jakarta, Berlin, and London, nothing is set in stone. Rowland has the momentum, but Tag Heuer Porsche has the firepower to fight back. Add in the possibility of more wet-weather chaos or safety car shenanigans, and Season 11’s championships could change in a heartbeat.
The championships aren’t just about speed anymore; they’re about strategy, technology, and staying out of trouble. If the first 11 rounds are anything to go by, the second part of the season might just be the most unpredictable stretch we’ve ever seen in Formula E.
FE Season 11 returns this weekend in Jakarta. Free Practice 1 will be Friday at 4:00 p.m. local time. Free Practice 2, Qualifying, and the e-Prix will be on Saturday at 08:00 a.m., 10:20 a.m., and 3:05 p.m., respectively.
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Feature Image Credit: FIA Formula E Media Centre
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