Lynn on top step in London, di Grassi sanctioned

If there is one word to define this second London E-Prix, it is incredible.

However, everything went well with pole sitter Stoffel Vandoorne (Mercedes) who remained in the lead ahead of Oliver Rowland (Nissan e-Dams) and Nyck de Vries (Mercedes).

The Belgian, in control, seemed to be heading straight for his third career victory. But that was before the race took a completely different turn.

António Félix Da Costa (DS Techeetah) into the wall after contact with André Lotterer (Porshce), the safety car comes into play. At the head of the peloton Stoffel Vandoorne suddenly saw Lucas di Grassi (Audi) leave the pit lane and move in front of him although he was 8th in the standings at the time of the neutralization.

.@Andre_Lotterer picks up a penalty for this incident which took @afelixdacosta out of the race 💥

LIVE timing here 👉 https://t.co/ba1DSigEtk

🇬🇧 2021 Heineken #LondonEPrice

— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) July 25, 2021

In total incomprehension, the race is restarted with the Brazilian in control followed by the Belgian. It is then that the latter loses everything. Hit by an aggressive Oliver Rowland, Stoffel Vandoorne tumbled down the rankings and thus saw his chances of victory go up in smoke. Meanwhile, Lucas di Grassi retains the reins while Nyck de Vries and Alex Lynn (Mahindra) are having a hard time in his mirrors.

While doubt still looms, the South American is finally punished with a drive-through virtually giving Alex Lynn the lead. No doubt angry, the Audi driver does not take his penalty and crosses the finish line first.

Peu importe, la victoire ne lui reviendra pas puisque le drapeau noir, synonyme de disqualification, lui sera présenté. C’est bien évidemment Alex Lynn qui héritera de ce succès dans les rues de Londres, le premier de sa carrière dans la formule électrique. Le suivront sur le podium Nyck de Vries et Mitch Evans (Jaguar) alors que Robin Frijns (Virgin) et Pascal Wehrlein (Porsche) compléteront le Top 5.

Although disqualified, Lucas di Grassi finally saw his disqualification transformed into a time penalty, ultimately securing an 8th place…

https://twitter.com/FIAFormulaE/status/1419301724112699397

Harpooned by Oliver Rowland while fighting for victory, Stoffel Vandoorne ultimately finished 12th.

In tough conditions throughout the weekend, Jean-Éric Vergne (DS Techeetah) completed his London escapade with a discreet 14th place.