German Formula E driver, Maximilian Günther, staged a strong comeback performance at the 2024 Portland E-Prix by bouncing back from a challenging weekend to secure an eighth-place finish on US soil.
As soon as practice got underway on Friday at the Oregon-based Portland International Raceway, it became clear that pace wasn’t with Maserati MSG Racing, with Max and the team struggling for initial performance throughout practice.
In Qualifying for Race One, Max unfortunately missed out on the session’s duel stages and started from 17th but quickly fought forward after strategically building an energy buffer over his closest competitors at the start.
The 26-year-old from Oberstdorf took advantage of this performance edge by launching an assault on the top 10 at mid-race distance and broke into the points-paying positions on lap 15 and went on to run as high as sixth.
Unfortunately, Max was forced to retire on lap 24 following late contact with Jehan Daruvala, but with fresh opportunities on Sunday, made sure to reset for of Race Two which he started from 21st.
Having shown clear promise on Saturday, Max opted to take the same strategic approach on Sunday and again built an energy advantage which he used to fight forward and break into the top 10 on lap 15 by overtaking Edoardo Mortara.
Max then engaged Sacha Fenestraz and Norman Nato in the fight for eighth, and successfully overtook the pair but lost track position after being pushed wide by Lucas di Grassi, moments before a Safety Car on lap 18.
This race neutralisation, which lowered energy targets throughout the field, minimised Max’s competitive edge but nevertheless, he continued to fight, overtaking Fenestraz and then clearing Di Grassi on the final lap to finish eighth.
By scoring four points in Portland, Max continues to hold eighth in the FIA Formula E World Drivers’ Championship. His campaign will conclude on 20-21 July 2024 with the Season 10 finale in London, United Kingdom.
