Tokyo ePrix: Strategic Intrigue, Milestones, Crazy Weather & Exciting Performances

Formula E found their way back to the streets of Tokyo, Japan, for the second time in its history, after having had the first edition in 2024. This time, the electric series came with double the dose, as we saw one race on Saturday and one on Sunday.

The Japanese fans were treated to a weekend of surprises, milestones, and emotional moments, ranging from long-awaited podiums to standout performances.

Saturday

Free Practice 1 and 2 were characterised by rain. Cars and drivers were drifting, spinning and struggling to control the car because of the water on the track, but no major incidents because of the rain were to report. Once qualifying came along, however, that situation changed: too much water, too dangerous for qualifying to go ahead. The results from the second free practice became the starting grid.

In a post-race interview with Formula E media, Monaco race 2 winner, Envision's Sébastien Buemi described the waiting period before the announcement if the race was going to take place, as relaxing, as him and his teammate Robin Frijns were "just laughing [...], having a good time and waiting to see [as] there was nothing [they] could actually do". Did him winning the wet race in Monaco provide him with the confidence required to stay calm about the possibility of driving in the rain? He describes their team as being "clearly more competitive in the wet".

CUPRA KIRO Race Co. driver Dan Ticktum explained, that he "was surprised that they actually let the race go ahead after the first two safety car laps, because the visibility was terrible."

Surprisingly, the race did not provide a lot of chaos, as the rain had calmed down while the cars were fighting on track. The only driver not to finish the race was DS Penske’s Maximilian Günther. And the rain and water were not even to blame for that incident, as the DS Penske driver experienced an error, making his car stop on track, causing a red flag.

During that time, a confusion about the regulations resulted in a disqualification, as season 9 world champion Jake Dennis' team Andretti told the Brit to come in for his pit boost charge. The hope: gain an advantage by strategic genius. Instead of returning to the grid like all the others, he went into the pits. This attempt at a strategic genius backfired. The team were of the impression that the pit lane was open and could be entered at the time. This turned out to be incorrect, resulting in the immediate disqualification. A reminder that even the experienced teams can find themselves caught out by the sport’s regulations.

Stoffel Vandoorne’s victory in the rain-affected Saturday race was another highlight, underscoring Maserati’s capabilities in Japan. Despite a late-race spin, his dominance throughout the event ensured a big enough gap that the win was never in doubt. His energy management and confidence under pressure exemplified the traits of the former world champion, and brought Maserati their second win at the circuit, making it two out of two. Winner Vandoorne explained in a YouTube video posted on the Formula E account after the race that the energy management was difficult. But clearly all that hard work paid off in the end.

The Belgian shared the podium with the two British drivers Oliver Rowland in second and Taylor Barnard in third.

Sunday

On Sunday Rowland found himself on the podium yet again, sharing the podium with yet another Brit, in Dan Ticktum. "Difficult start to the year, but we're getting there", said Ticktum in a video posted on Instagram. "So hopefully a good race and I just copy what Rowland does. He normally seems to get it right", he continued. It was almost as if he knew what was going to happen later.

As the streets stayed dry on Sunday, we saw Ticktum getting his best ever Formula E qualifying with him starting the race from second position. "Unfortunately, I put it in the wall in the final, but you know, Rowland's on fire this year, so battle of the Brits. I really had to push on that last lap. [...] I just pushed a little bit extra and got it slightly wrong." A starting position that allowed him another career best. The battle between the two British drivers Ticktum and Rowland continued during the race, with the British youngster Taylor Barnard also wanting to take a piece of the pie. However, after finishing on the podium yesterday, the 20-year-old Barnard was not able to finish the race as contact from behind meant his car ended up in the wall. Ticktum took the place on the podium that a day before had been occupied by Barnard. This meant a career-best third-place finish. Ticktum's first-ever Formula E podium. A result Ticktum had predicted, maybe even manifested the day prior. "A podium's coming, I'm really happy with the progression, so a big thank you to the team", he said as was shared on his team's account on X. A podium long in the works, which is something his fellow racers know too. Ticktum described on the radio other drivers giving him thumbs ups as he drove past after the race. A touching sentiment of respectful competitiveness.

The second step on the podium of race two in Tokyo was occupied by reigning champion Pascal Wehrlein. The Porsche driver was seen congratulating his fellow Porsche powertrain driver Ticktum after the race, marking 2 out of the three podium steps being occupied by Porsche-powered cars. Nissan powered the winning car, as championship leader Oliver Rowland secured his fourth win of the season, making him nearly have double as many championship points (161) as second in the standings Pascal Wehrlein (84). Out of the 9 races that already took place, Rowland has won 4, and finished on the podium on three of the other occasions, resulting in the big points tally. Getting this result in Japan must have been especially sweet, as Rowland's team Nissan is a Japanese team, who saw many board members present at the race. Not only that, as Rowland's daughter was also in attendance. She even got to join her dad on the podium. But even before that, she was seen shouting in excitement when her father won the race and prior to it in the Nissan garage as she got to see her father's race car.

The Tokyo ePrix once again delivered on all fronts—strategic intrigue, crazy weather and exciting performances, and a reaffirmation of frontrunners. With nine races completed, the championship picture is beginning to take shape.

All eyes now turn to Shanghai in two weeks time. If Tokyo taught us anything, it’s that the only thing certain in Formula E is uncertainty.

Until then, fans and teams alike will be analysing data, refining strategies, and preparing for what promises to be another exhilarating chapter in this already memorable season.