Credit: Sam Bloxham courtesy of FIA Formula E
Motorsport Week previews the season finale of the 2023 Formula E World Championship, where a new World Champion will be crowned in the British capital.
This weekend’s London E-Prix double-header will bring the 2023 Formula E season to a close, but not before a new World Champion is decided.
Four drivers head to the British capital still mathematically in the fight for the Drivers’ Championship; however, it’s realistically Jake Dennis’ to lose.
Dennis goes to the season finale with a 24-point lead in the standings over Nick Cassidy, with a maximum of 58 points still up for grabs.
The venue
Formula E returns to the ExCeL Centre in East London this weekend for two of the most unique races of the season, as the circuit features both indoor and outdoor sections.
Changes have been made to the track ahead of the season finale though, due to construction work. Turns 16-18 have been reprofiled, making the circuit shorter.
Last season’s layout was 1.33 miles long, whereas this season’s layout has been reduced to 1.29 miles due to the changes made at one of the key overtaking spots.
What happened in London last season?
Last year’s London E-Prix was largely dominated by Dennis, who has always been very quick at his home race. The Andretti driver claimed pole position for both races in 2022, whilst he went on to win the opening race of the weekend.
Dennis had to settle for second in the second race of the London E-Prix last season, as he was beaten to the win by Lucas di Grassi. Di Grassi’s win in London 12 months ago was his only victory during his one season with Venturi, prior to switching to Mahindra for 2023.
Mitch Evans’ 2022 title hopes took a huge hit in London last season, as he ground to a halt following a brake issue. His retirement handed Stoffel Vandoorne a sizeable lead in the championship, ahead of last year’s finale in Seoul, South Korea.
The championship fight
As mentioned, Dennis heads to his home weekend with a comfortable 24-point lead in the Drivers’ Championship over Cassidy, who failed to score points in the second race in Rome following a collision with Evans.
Cassidy is realistically Dennis’ only title rival now, with Evans and Pascal Wehrlein being 44 and 49 points adrift respectively. Given his advantage, Dennis could seal his first Formula E title in the first race of the weekend, if he scores five points more than Cassidy.
However, if Dennis fails to finish Saturday’s race, then it would open the door to Cassidy and potentially even Evans, depending on where they finish. Whilst still mathematically in the title fight, Evans and Wehrlein require a miracle to become World Champion in London.
Whilst southern Europe has been experiencing record-breaking temperatures, the British weather has been typically dreadful this summer, meaning the skies could play a part in the title fight.
The Constructors’ Championship will also be decided in London, with four teams still having a chance. Envision lead Porsche by 14 points, whilst Jaguar sit a further 11 points adrift in third.
Andretti sit in fourth but 35 points behind, something which makes them very much the outsiders.
Who else to keep an eye on?
Sam Bird, Dan Ticktum and Jake Hughes will all be hoping for a strong couple of races in their home country, and will likely be well supported.
Bird will be keen to finish his Jaguar career strongly, following reports that he’s being replaced by Cassidy next season. Hughes, too, will be targeting a great weekend, to close what has been an excellent debut season in the all-electric series.
Maserati and Maximilian Gunther are a pairing to watch in London, especially with the German being in fine form. A good end to the season could see Gunther jump Jean-Eric Vergne in the standings, promoting him to fifth.
Stoffel Vandoorne has endured a horrific defence of his title this season, but even the DS Penske driver will be hoping to end the year on a high, as will last season’s London winner Di Grassi.
It’s set to be an enthralling weekend of action, where Dennis could become the first British driver to have won the Formula E title.
Free practice 1 gets underway on Friday evening at 17:00 local time.
Keyword: London E-Prix preview: Dennis’ title to lose in season finale