In a spectacular display of racecraft, New Zealand driver Nick Cassidy has claimed the first ABB Engineered To Outrun Award of the 2024 Formula E World Championship season. The honour comes after his remarkable charge through the field at the season-opening Sao Paulo E-Prix, where he secured a podium finish for his new team, Citroen Racing.
From P15 to the Podium: A Masterclass in Overtaking
Cassidy's debut race with the Citroen Racing squad was nothing short of extraordinary. Starting a lowly 15th on the grid, the driver, who finished second in the championship last season, embarked on a relentless pursuit. By the checkered flag, he had gained an impressive 12 places to finish third, securing a maiden podium with his new team in his very first outing.
The official Formula E Instagram account celebrated the feat, posting: “P15 to the podium for @nickcassidy. The @citroenracing driver secures the ABB #EngineeredToOutrun award in Sao Paulo for the most places gained.” Cassidy himself took to social media to express his joy, writing, “What a way to start with @citroenracing. Amazing team effort to bring home P3 yesterday at the Sao Paulo E-Prix. The podium in Brazil is always a special one!”
Fan Acclaim and Championship Aspirations
The performance ignited excitement among Formula E fans worldwide. One fan hailed Cassidy's strategic brilliance, commenting, “Nick is a race master! It truly doesn’t matter where he qualifies - he always finishes amazingly. His strategic mind is truly formidable!” Another supporter voiced a common sentiment, stating, “Nick Cassidy needs his WDC. Best driver of the modern period.” A third fan pointedly added, “If Nick was a better qualifier, he would be a champion because he does magic on track.”
Cassidy joined the Citroen Racing team after parting ways with Jaguar TCS Racing at the conclusion of Season 11. This podium-winning start signals a strong beginning to the new partnership and immediately establishes him as a contender in the Formula E World Championship.
ABB Engineered To Outrun Leaderboard Standings
The award, which recognises the driver who gains the most positions during a race, saw other notable performances in Brazil. Nissan's Oliver Rowland, who finished second in the race, sits second on the leaderboard after climbing 11 places from a difficult qualifying. In third place is rookie Joel Eriksson, who gained 11 spots to finish seventh in his first full-time Formula E race.
The race winner, Andretti's Jake Dennis, finds himself 16th on the leaderboard, having started from pole position after original polesitter Pascal Wehrlein received a penalty. The top five is rounded out by DS Penske's Maximilian Gunther in fourth and Lola Yamaha ABT's Zane Maloney in fifth.
This thrilling start to Season 12 sets a high bar for racing action and strategic comebacks, with Nick Cassidy's award-winning drive serving as the early benchmark for determination and skill on the track.
