The São Paulo ePrix: A Day of Record-Breaking Magic – Both Good and Bad

Magic is often described as "special powers [that] make things happen [...] in an unusual or unexpected way" (Cambridge Dictionary).

That definition perfectly captures the essence of the São Paulo ePrix last Saturday.

The Formula E season has officially started with the first race of the season having taken place in the city of São Paulo. And what an incredible season opener it was! It was a truly magical race full of unexpected elements - good and bad - unfolding throughout the event.

This wasn’t just any other race; it was a symphony of surprises, where moments of brilliance and misfortune intertwined to create a spectacle that fans and drivers alike won’t soon forget.

Taylor Barnard: The Magic of Youth and Record-Breaking Feats

One of the standout stories of the day belonged to the NEOM McLaren rookie driver Taylor Barnard. At just 20 years and 189 days old, he became the youngest driver ever to step onto a Formula E podium. This already marked the third record the young Brit has broken in the all-electric racing series, having previously set records as the youngest points finisher in Berlin and the youngest driver to start a race in Monaco last season.

After the race, a visibly surprised Barnard reflected on his achievement in the press conference, admitting he hadn’t expected to finish on the podium. But the magic of motorsport often favours the brave – those daring to dream big. In an interview with Formula E after the race, he declared: “My target is firmly now set on being the youngest race winner.” Based on his current trajectory, few would bet against him.

Sam Bird: A Legacy of Magic in São Paulo

Barnard's achievement is even more meaningful when considering the legacy of that race track within his team. His teammate, Sam Bird, who on Saturday helped his young teammate stay in podium-finishing position by holding back drivers from behind, delivered his own moment of magic in São Paulo last season. Bird claimed NEOM McLaren's very first Formula E victory with a daring last-lap overtake, seizing the win in dramatic style.

Bird's victory last season and Barnard’s podium this year highlight a team steeped in São Paulo magic, making it seem like the Woking team has some magical connection, allowing them to conjure up incredible results in the Brazilian city.

Mitch Evans: Turning Misfortune into Magic

After big troubles with his car prior to the race, resulting in the Kiwi driver Mitch Evans starting the race from the very back of the grid, Evans also seemed to have been able to access his very own special magic, allowing him to break yet another Formula E record: delivering a jaw-dropping last-to-first charge through the field – an achievement that seemed almost beyond belief. Even to Evans himself, as he admitted in the post-race press conference.

Attack Mode: Magically Effective

One of the most striking forms of magic on display was Attack Mode. In São Paulo, it wasn’t just a strategic tool – it was a real game-changer. The combination of extra power and the all-wheel drive on the new cars proved incredibly effective, allowing drivers to pull off maneuvers that left spectators in awe. It was as if the circuit had a spellbound section where drivers who activated the Attack Mode could tap into hidden potential, surging forward with almost supernatural precision and speed.

Drivers who timed it perfectly seemed to unlock a brief, magical burst of speed, transforming their races and shaking up the order. This season opener showed just how crucial and effective Attack Mode can be when paired with the right strategy and tools.

The Curse of Bad Magic: DNFs, Frijns’ DNS, and Wehrlein’s Crash

But São Paulo's magic wasn’t purely good. For some drivers, the race weekend was a lesson about the darker side magic. The event was plagued with multiple DNFs as crashes and mechanical failures struck throughout the grid. It seemed like a cruel spell had been cast over some, shattering their hopes for a strong start to the season.

The very first unfortunate case of bad magic came for Dutch driver Robin Frijns right at the start, as he was left unable to start due to mechanical issues before the race even began. For Frijns, it was a bitter disappointment, a reminder that in motorsport, sometimes the magic fizzles out before the lights even go green.

Adding to the heartbreak was reigning world champion Pascal Wehrlein's dramatic crash. His race ended abruptly with a high-impact accident that literally turned the German and his car upside down and forced him out of contention. Fortunately, he walked away uninjured, but the crash underscored the thin line between triumph and disaster in motorsport.

Records, Chaos, and the Unexpected

The São Paulo circuit seemed to possess a life of its own, offering unpredictable twists at every turn. Records were shattered and drama unfolded in ways that only Formula E could deliver.

This delicate balance of triumph and frustration made the race even more captivating. 

As the dust settles on this unforgettable season opener, one thing is clear: the magic of Formula E is very much alive and well. Whether through record-breaking rookies like Taylor Barnard, heartwarming moments from veterans like Sam Bird, Mitch Evans’ defiance of the odds, the tactical brilliance of Attack Mode, or the cruel twists of fate faced by Robin Frijns and Pascal Wehrlein, São Paulo delivered a race for the ages. If this is a preview of what's to come this season, we’re in for a truly spellbinding journey.

Get ready, because the magic – both good and bad – is just getting started.

Next Formula E Race: Mexico City, 11 January 2025