After a double podium weekend in Portland, the team will look to go one better in a home race weekend at the London E-Prix
Defending champions Envision Racing enter the final two races of the 2023–24 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in great form after a tough season on the track.
Despite preparing to wave goodbye to their Teams’ Championship crown at the season-ending London E-Prix, Envision Racing will have positives to take from the season that was. Following a succession of races in 2024 where the pace was there but sadly not the luck, both drivers will be relishing the challenge at the unique London ExCeL Circuit, especially after a superb weekend in North America.
Envision Racing’s Robin Frijns enjoyed a stellar weekend last time out at the double-header Portland E-Prix with back-to-back second place finishes. Heading into the London E-Prix weekend, the Dutch driver sits ninth in the standings, just 13 points behind Maserati driver Maximilian Günther. Frijns will be looking to overhaul the German driver’s points total in the final two races of the year.
There is also plenty to play for in the Teams’ Championship rankings. Envision Racing sit just seven points behind the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team, and a strong performance from Frijns and Sébastien Buemi could see the team in green pip their British rivals to sixth place in the standings.
The challenge in London
The London ExCeL Circuit throws a unique challenge at drivers, demanding both precision and grit. Unlike any other top-level motor racing circuit, the race begins indoors. Drivers experience the initially silky-smooth surface, offering exceptional grip, allowing them to push their machines to the limit. But this sense of control is short-lived.
A quick succession of corners tests their reflexes and car control before they’re spat back out into the open air and either the sunny London skies and a dry track, or clouds and a wet surface. Added to this, drivers must contend with a treacherous strip of slippy metal right at the exit, demanding absolute focus to avoid a costly spin.
The highly abrasive asphalt surrounding the ExCeL exhibition centre quickly wears down tires, forcing drivers to manage their energy consumption meticulously. However, this harsh surface also presents an opportunity. The flowing set of chicanes in the outside section becomes a prime battleground for overtaking manoeuvres. Drivers brave enough can exploit the abrasive surface to make daring passes and shake up the race order.
After a quick dash down a straight, they’re met with more tricky corners, another test of car control before they plunge back into the main hall. The dramatic shift in lighting as they re-enter the building can catch out the unaware, and even the most seasoned driver, adding another layer of complexity to this already demanding circuit.
With its constant changes in surface texture, elevation, and even lighting, the London ExCeL Circuit is a true test of a driver’s adaptability. It’s a circuit that rewards precision and punishes even the slightest miscalculation, making it a fan favourite for its potential for dramatic racing and unexpected twists.
Last time out in Portland
The scorching Pacific Northwest sun greeted Envision Racing for Round, turning the already demanding Portland International Raceway into a broiling crucible for drivers and machines. But amidst the heat, Envision Racing’s Robin Frijns delivered a performance that simmered with promise and ultimately boiled over into a well-deserved podium finish, his third of 2024.
Frijns’ weekend started strong. His qualifying prowess shone through as he secured a spot in the semi-finals, narrowly missing out on pole position to Norman Nato. This third-place starting position set the stage for a thrilling race.
From the green flag, Frijns was a force to be reckoned with. He firmly established himself amongst the frontrunners, consistently battling for a coveted podium spot throughout the early stages. His skill and strategy were evident as he skillfully navigated the tight corners and long straights of the circuit.
Just as the race reached its climax, a dramatic turn of events unfolded. A penalty handed to the initial race winner, Mitch Evans, propelled Frijns into second place, marking a triumphant return to the podium for the first time since February’s Diriyah E-Prix.
In race two Frijns continued to shine in the second Portland E-Prix. Frijns once again showcased his raw speed by progressing to the knockout stages of qualifying and qualifying third on the grid.
He mirrored his Saturday performance by launching himself into the thick of the battle at the front of the pack. Throughout the race, Frijns looked good for the win, displaying race-winning pace, and whilst a win ultimately eluded him, Frijns crossed the line in a well-deserved second place, securing a fantastic double podium for the weekend.
This impressive performance injected a surge of momentum into Envision Racing as the team heads to the season-defining double-header in London, boosted by a strong ninth place for team-mate Buemi after a tough weekend for the Swiss driver. With Frijns on fire and the team hungry for success, the final two rounds promise to be an electrifying spectacle.
Where and when to watch the London E-Prix
(All times BST)
Round 15
Free Practice 1 Saturday 19 July – 16:55 – 17:45
Free Practice 2 Saturday 20 July – 09:55 – 10:45
Qualifying Saturday 20 July – 12:20 – 13:43
E-Prix Saturday 20 July 17:03 – 18:30
Round 16
Free Practice 3 Sunday 21 July – 09:55 – 10:45
Qualifying Sunday 21 July – 12:20 – 13:43
E-Prix Sunday 21 July 17:03 – 18:30
Drivers’ standings (after Rd 14):
1. Nick Cassidy, 167pts
2. Mitch Evans, 155pts
3. Pascal Wehrlein, 155pts
4. António Félix da Costa, 134pts
5. Oliver Rowland, 131pts
9. Robin Frijns, 60pts
15. Sébastien Buemi, 26pts
22. Joel Eriksson, 2pts
Teams’ standings (after Rd 14):
1. Jaguar TCS Racing, 322pts
2. Porsche Formula E Team, 289pts
3. DS Penske, 184pts
4. Andretti Formula E, 168pts
5. Nissan, 157pts
7. Envision Racing, 88pts
