New Zealand’s Nick Cassidy returned to the Formula E podium with a measured drive to second at the Berlin E-Prix, while fellow Kiwi Mitch Evans brought home a solid top-six result in a race shaped by strategy and energy management.
While the headlines ultimately went to race winner Nico Müller, who secured a long-awaited maiden victory, Cassidy’s charge back into the top three marked an important turnaround, his first podium appearance since his earlier-season success in Mexico City.
The Citreon Racing driver delivered a composed and calculated drive, staying firmly in contention throughout a race dictated by energy management and the strategic use of pit boost and attack mode.
From the outset, the race unfolded as a tactical chess match. Polesitter Edo Mortara initially controlled the pace, but positions quickly shuffled as drivers balanced energy conservation with track position. Early leaders emerged and faded just as quickly, with multiple contenders cycling through the front as strategies diverged.
Cassidy remained in the thick of the fight, positioning himself well inside the lead group as the race approached its midpoint. When the pit boost window opened, teams were forced into critical decisions, adding another layer of unpredictability.
Cassidy timed his stop effectively, rejoining the battle near the front and immediately applying pressure on those around him.
Evans, meanwhile, worked through the field. The Jaguar TCS Racing driver kept himself within striking distance of the leaders, navigating the midfield and capitalising on opportunities as they arose. By the closing stages, he had climbed into sixth, securing valuable championship points in a tightly contested race.
The decisive moment came in the final third, when Müller surged forward using attack mode and a slight energy advantage to slice through the leading pack and seize control. Cassidy responded in kind, activating his own boost and following the Swiss driver through into second, but the gap proved difficult to close as the laps ticked down.
Despite pushing to the finish, Cassidy was unable to mount a late challenge for victory, ultimately settling for second place ahead of reigning champion Oliver Rowland in third. Evans completed a solid recovery drive to round out the top six.
Behind them, Mortara slipped from pole to fourth but did enough to move to the top of the drivers’ standings, while the championship battle tightened significantly with just a handful of points separating the frontrunners.
For the Kiwi contingent, Berlin delivered a mix of resurgence and resilience. Cassidy is back on the podium, and Evans is banking crucial points, setting the stage for another high-stakes encounter in the second race of the double-header.
Header Image: Simon Galloway/LAT Images
