Maximilian Günther shows podium-worthy pace in São Paulo
Maximilian Günther shows strong pace in 2024/25 Formula E season opener in São Paulo, Brazil
Maximilian Günther narrowly missed out on a top 10 finish at the São Paulo E-Prix after showcasing podium-worthy pace in the first round of the FIA Formula E World Championship’s 2024/25 season.
Max, from Oberstdorf, Germany, went to São Paulo following a highly promising pre-season test with his DS PENSKE team at Jarama in Madrid, and continued to show good pace as soon as his weekend commenced in Brazil.
After placing 13th in the first practice session of the season, Max unlocked more speed in FP2 with ninth, but reached new heights in Qualifying by securing fourth on the grid after battling his way into the session’s Semi-Final stage from Group B.
With a starting spot on the second row, Max was in a prime position to challenge for silverware and moved into the podium positions at the first available opportunity by overtaking Season 9 World Champion, Jake Dennis, off the line.
By balancing a consistent energy-saving rhythm with opportunistic offensive driving, Max was a consistent threat to the podium throughout the race and strategically leveraged his two Attack Modes – taken on laps nine and 17 – to assert his place inside the top three.
After a Red Flag period, caused by an on-track stoppage for Dennis, Max resumed his fight for silverware and ran as high as second but was unfortunately pushed into the barriers because of contact between Nick Cassidy and Pascal Wehrlein on lap 30.
This accident between the Jaguar and Porsche pair caused a second Red Flag, during which Max replaced his front wing which pushed him to the rear of the field for the restart.
In a five-lap sprint, the 27-year-old was able to fight through the field but fell just short of a points finish by taking the flag in 11th. Max will resume his 2024/25 Formula E season in Mexico City on 11 January 2025.
Maximilian Günther, Driver, DS PENSKE
“The final result is hard to accept because it doesn’t reflect our weekend at all. I’m really happy with the pace we showed on track, especially with my fourth place in Qualifying. I feel great within the team, and our intense preparation really paid off here. Our race was very solid, and I’m 99% satisfied with it, as I was fighting for a top three finish before the incident. I didn’t score points today, but we know that’s part of Formula E, and some races are chaotic. In the end, we need to focus on the positive: our level of performance. I’m confident for the future.”
Season 11 São Paulo E-Prix Maximilian Günther Results
Free Practice 1: P13
Free Practice 2: P9
Qualifying: P4 [1:10.351, Semi-Final Two]
Race: P11
Championship Position: P12 [0 points]