Can anyone stop Mercedes leaving on a high?
The final season of Gen2 is upon us, for another season likely full of close racing, incidents, and maybe even controversy. With very little changing from last year, there is a good chance we can predict the form guide for this year, but you never know what can happen in Formula E!
After winning both titles last year, Mercedes do go into this year as favourites, especially as their powertrain was so strong last year, both for them and Venturi. They have a star driver line up, just like last year, and will want to end their time in the sport on a high. It didn’t start well for them though, as De Vries, the reigning champion, hit the wall a few minutes into first practice, ending his session. Vandoorne wasn’t very fast either, although given how quick they were here last year, I still think they will bounce back well.
Techeetah started the year very well, with two cars in the top 4, and if Vergne hadn’t of made a mistake, he would have been fastest. It was surprising last year to see them not perform once they got the new powertrain in the back of their car. Maybe it has taken the off season for them to truly understand it, and find the pace they need to fight for another title. As we have always said though with this driver line up, it is a time bomb waiting to go off!
Andretti and Jaguar were unlucky to not be able to fight for the title, in the last race back in the summer, after technical issues, and so will want redemption for that. Their pace should carry over well to this year, plus Dennis will surely be stronger this year than last year, given he was a rookie, and his teammate Askew is a very quick driver. Jaguar continue with their strong line up of Evans and Bird, and Sam is due some luck after a tough 2021. I do think though, that it may be hard for them to match the form of Mercedes as they are right now, especially with the old equalising qualifying format gone.
Venturi, with the help of their Mercedes powertrain, had their best ever season by far in 2021, with multiple wins, and a great title charge by Mortara. He was unlucky just like the others with how it turned out, and his cool style will surely net him a title soon. With Di Grassi joining him this year, he may be pushed to even higher heights, which would in turn elevate the team too. If Mercedes do have an edge on the powertrain front, this team will be their main competitors.
Envision used consistency to their advantage last year, with Frijns staying in the top few places in the driver’s title for most of the season, just through points finishes. He couldn’t maintain it though as the season came to a climax, and the team does need to jump start its campaign in Formula E, to avoid becoming a back marker. Mahindra are on the other end of the spectrum, as after a tough few years they found some pace again in Season 7, netting them a win for Lynn in London. If they could continue like that this year, by being in the top 10 at most races, and maybe getting the odd podium, it would keep the team motivated for the new regulations.
Nissan and Porsche did not have the year that two manufacturers of their might should endure in 2021, Porsche to be fair to them had great pace at Mexico, but failed on the admin side, which hurt them hugely. Nissan meanwhile have never recovered from the loss of their dual motor design, with energy saving being their main issue. You would have to say though, both of them are likely aiming at Gen3 for a turnaround in performance, so it could be another tough year for them ahead.
Finally, we have Dragon Penske and NIO, who have sadly been the backmarker teams of the series for a while now. Both of them though did find some up turn in form last year, and might be able to fight for the points on odd occasions. Ticktum and Giovinnazi joining both teams should improve their pace a bit, as they are both fast drivers, but I wouldn’t expect anything magical from either team sadly.
Before closing, I have to touch on the new qualifying format, which to me might be worse than the old one. Firstly, it is so confusing, which when the series main aim is to attract new fans, probably means that any potential fans will have no idea what is going on, and likely leave. Secondly, these ‘duel’ races could end up being really dull, as if the faster car gets ahead, or the car behind doesn’t want to risk a crash, they won’t race, and it will just waste all our time. I honestly think that running something like the F1 qualifying system would be best for the sport, as it is entertaining without being unfair. I hope it proves me wrong, as otherwise it could be a long year of qualifying for the series.
Despite the large carry over from Season 7, there is no clear idea of who will be fastest come the first race tomorrow, which is why Formula E is so popular right now. We could feasibly see five different teams in the running for the title come Seoul, and have a repeat of the tense finale we saw last year, but hopefully this time with a more thrilling ending! The key though will be consistency, which means a good start to the title fight!
-M
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