Oliver Rowland Continues Strong Formula E Season with Jeddah Podium
The reigning Nissan champion and last season's Formula E World Champion, Oliver Rowland, has maintained his impressive form this season by securing his third podium finish. On Saturday, Rowland claimed third place in the Round 5 race at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Saudi Arabia, demonstrating resilience after a frustrating performance in the previous round.
From Frustration to Celebration: A Team Effort
Just one day prior to his podium success, Rowland expressed significant frustration over his results in Round 4 of the Jeddah doubleheader. However, overnight changes made by his team transformed his fortunes. "Yesterday I was pulling my hair out!" Rowland stated after the race. "The last two races I struggled quite a lot; I just had no pace. Last night we changed quite a lot of stuff, so I'm really pleased to be back on the podium. Thanks to my whole team as they stayed late last night and they did a great job."
Race Strategy and Podium Results
Rowland's race strategy focused on avoiding trouble on the challenging circuit. "I just wanted to stay out of trouble," he explained. "From third or fourth backward, it's quite dangerous with people coming on the outside, and honestly I could go so slow at some points that I could control the pace and be quite comfortable with my target." The race was won by Jaguar TCS Racing's Antonio Felix da Costa, with Envision Racing's Sebastien Buemi taking second place. Rowland acknowledged that with a different Attack Mode strategy, he might have challenged for second, but expressed satisfaction with third.
A Family Celebration on the Podium
Following the race, Rowland shared a heartwarming moment on his Instagram Stories, posting a picture with his four-year-old daughter, Harper, who joined him on the podium. This continues a tradition from last season, where Harper frequently celebrated with her father after races. The image captured them happily posing with his trophy, adding a personal touch to his professional achievement.
Season Performance and Standings
Rowland's 2026 Formula E season has been marked by consistent podium appearances:
- Finished second in Round 1 in Sao Paulo
- Secured third place in Round 2 in Mexico City
- Experienced setbacks in Miami and Jeddah Round 4
- Now has three podiums in Season 12
At 33 years old, Rowland currently holds third position in the Formula E Drivers' Standings with 49 points, solidifying his status as a top contender in the championship.
