Mercedes F1 reserve driver Nyck de Vries became the first official FIA-recognized Formula E world champion in a crazy season finale in Berlin.
Before the final, each of 14 different drivers had a chance for the title – before there was slaughter at Berlin’s Tempelhof Airport, when both the driver and team title went to Mercedes EQ.
De Vries is reportedly one of the names to be considered for a drive at Williams next season, and he’s put himself in the best possible position to move to F1 by winning the Formula E title too advertise.
After qualifying for P3, Mitch Evans appeared to be in a prime position to become champion. But his car stopped completely after the traffic lights went out, and an unseen Edo Mortara stormed onto his back – he pulled out two possible world champions at once and took the red flag in Berlin. Above all, however, both drivers got away unharmed.
Before winning both titles, it was announced that Mercedes could get out of the series with the introduction of the new generation of vehicles, but Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff was in the paddock on Sunday and showed his support for the Mercedes EQ squad.
Discover the latest merchandise from Mercedes in the official Formula 1 store
Before the restart, Briton Jake Dennis was in the title-winning position – but another freak moment saw the 25-year-old Formula E rookie step on the brakes, block and hit the outer wall, eliminating another title contender.
So it was championship leader De Vries, who now took his own fate in hand again when the race got going again.
The Dutchman moved up from P13 on the grid and made good progress into the top 10. He finished sixth when the race reached halftime.
But there was a heart-in-mouth moment when he and teammate Stoffel Vandoorne – also a Mercedes F1 reserve driver – got in touch and almost got out of the way, but they managed to keep moving.
De Vries had hit hard trying to maximize his result in the race, although it may not have been necessary, but the title was all but struck after all the hopes of his rivals had evaporated as the race progressed.
Former F2 driver Norman Nato won the race but the title belonged to the Dutchman.
He was happy when the checkered flag fell and an emotional De Vries said: “It was a hell of a ride. We have seen so many ups and downs this year and finally won the last race – I think luck was on our side in everything that happened today.
“But as you can see, I was a bit of a target out there with a great pace so I think we deserve it and I’m really happy for the team.”
The post Mercedes F1 reserve Nyck de Vries wins Formula E title first appeared on monter-une-startup.
