Mitch Evans scores a surprise victory for Jaguar at Berlin Tempelhof Airport – Rowland’s zero points keep Wehrlein’s slim chances alive
The 2025 Formula E World Championship remains open after all: Because championship leader Oliver Rowland came away empty-handed in Saturday’s Berlin E-Prix after retiring from the race and his closest rival Pascal Wehrlein finished second, the title was not decided on Saturday.
The big winner of the day was Mitch Evans: After a strong performance in qualifying and a controlled race, the Jaguar driver secured his second win of the season – his first since December – and the 14th victory of his Formula E career.
It could have been even worse for Nissan: Antonio Felix da Costa initially crossed the finish line in third place and could have taken more important points away from Nissan in the battle for the team and manufacturer standings. However, a subsequent time penalty for a maneuver against Maximilian Günther dropped him back to tenth place.
Start phase: Evans confident, Rowland loses ground early
After a canceled practice session and a postponed qualifying, the Berlin-Tempelhof airfield circuit presented itself in a forgiving mood, at least in terms of weather, at the start of the race on Saturday afternoon. On the track, however, things were all the more turbulent.
Mitch Evans made a confident start and held on to pole position, while Oliver Rowland initially looked aggressive but then held back noticeably and dropped from third to fifth. At the same time, Jake Dennis came to a standstill on the start-finish straight after the start, necessitating an early safety car phase.
A closer look at the scary (non)start Dennis had ⤵️@Hankook_Sport BerlinEPrix pic.twitter.com/BlIhHnUulZ
— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) July 12, 2025
While some drivers had to serve penalties imposed for changing components – including Buemi, Drugovich, and Cassidy – others such as Evans and Wehrlein took the opportunity to activate their first Attack Mode. Rowland, on the other hand, waited – too long, as it turned out: he only activated Attack Mode on lap 7, by which time he had already fallen back to ninth place. At least he managed to work his way back up to sixth place with the extra power.
Pit stops and tactics: Whoever gambles wins – or loses
From lap 19, the tactical race to the pit lane for the mandatory PitBoost began. Günther made the first move and dropped out of the top 10 into no man’s land. Vandoorne, Sette-Camara, Cassidy, and Di Grassi followed. Da Costa and Barnard also came in on lap 23 – both still in contention for the title.
The @Porsche Safety Car comes back out ⚠️
This moment has led to a race retirement for Beckmann with less than 10 laps to go.@Hankook_Sport BerlinEPrix pic.twitter.com/tBhzrUvIXZ
— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) July 12, 2025
Frijns and Mortara followed a lap later, which pushed Rowland into third place, but without having stopped himself. Evans and Wehrlein stayed out at the front for a long time before coming into the pits at the end of lap 23. For Rowland, this meant briefly taking the lead, but then also pitting – and getting caught up in drama.
Rowland’s drama: contact with Drugovich costs him the championship
At this point, race control had already announced an investigation into Mortara for contact with Rowland. A few minutes later, however, it was another incident that decisively set back the title contender: Felipe Drugovich, a rookie on his home track, made contact with Rowland. The result: damaged rear suspension, a drop back to 15th place and, shortly afterwards, retirement.
Rowland retires from the race
An upset to our Championship leaders title hopes for today! @Hankook_Sport BerlinEPrix pic.twitter.com/PTviltMpnW
— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) July 12, 2025
Particularly bitter for Nissan: While Wehrlein was driving his Porsche in second place, Rowland was slowed down by the safety car and then by chance. Those who had been lapped were not allowed to lap back. As a result, Sette Camara, who had been lapped, blocked Wehrlein’s pursuers, which led to the Drugovich incident.
Evans keeps his nerve – and Wehrlein stays in contention
At the front, Mitch Evans defended his lead – first against the two DS Penske cars, then against Pascal Wehrlein. The Porsche driver had 1 percent more energy left at the end, but it wasn’t enough for a decisive attack. Evans brought the Jaguar home without any mistakes and was the first to see the checkered flag after 38 laps.
“A perfect race,” said the New Zealander afterwards. “Car, strategy, energy – everything went right today.” It was his first victory in over six months and the second for Jaguar this season.
Another race is scheduled for Sunday as part of the double-header.
