New York – Race 1: Nick Cassidy winner in chaos

Victory in race 1 of the New York ePrix, 11th round of the Formula E season, went to Nick Cassidy (Envision Racing) after an improbable scenario. The New Zealander survived the chaos triggered by a thunderstorm in the final minutes.

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Everything started calmly, on a dry track. At the start, Stoffel Vandoorne (Mercedes-EQ) completely missed his start and found himself in fourth place, overtaken by Lucas Di Grassi (ROKiT Venturi Racing) and Sébastien Buemi (Nissan e.Dams). Jean-Éric Vergne (DS Techeetah), 16th on the grid, was caught in a mid-pack collision on the first lap. The Frenchman started back far away, in last position. Antonio Giovinazzi, also involved in this accident, retired. 

In front, Nick Cassidy (Envision Racing) quietly retained control of the ePrix. It was by going for his “Attack mode” outside that Nick Cassidy lost his first place to Lucas di Grassi, the Brazilian also benefiting from the fan boost. The New Zealander recovered his property in the next round, when Di Grassi also recovered his attack mode. Stoffel Vandoorne also took the opportunity to slip into second position with just over twenty minutes to go, before taking his bonus and falling back behind di Grassi.

.@LucasdiGrassi activate his #FANBOOST but he's too far away to catch @NickCassidy_ 🤯@svandoorne is closing in behind…

Follow LIVE timing 👉 https://t.co/eyJkPujJED

🇺🇸 2022 #NYCPrix pic.twitter.com/2OeHG0fMCB

— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) July 16, 2022

Crash in the rain, red flag

Lucas di Grassi failed to capitalize on his power bonus to pass Cassidy, and even ended up being overtaken by Vandoorne. As the rain descended on the New York port, Robin Frijns took advantage of an attack from Di Grassi on Vandoorne to take the podium behind the Brazilian. The Mercedes driver found himself in fourth position. Edoardo Mortara moved up to fifth place.

Chaos then ensued as the rain intensified. Cassidy, Di Grassi, Vandoorne and Buemi all made mistakes as Full Course Yellow was announced. Robin Frijns, still at ease in the rain, inherited the race lead even though a red flag came out with 7:30 to go. After several minutes of interruption, the race was to resume for a final sprint under much milder skies.

Freak conditions in New York City!

A dramatic end to Round 11 as a sudden change in the weather caused several drivers to aquaplane. Fortunately all drivers were unhurt.

🇺🇸 2022 #NYCPrix pic.twitter.com/8Qx5ot9MOy

— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) July 16, 2022

Final twist: the race management decided not to restart due to too long repairs to be carried out on the circuit and the classification was taken from the previous lap. Nick Cassidy thus inherited the victory in this race 1 ahead of Lucas Di Grassi and Robin Frijns!