Formula E 2017: Pitlane Lapse Robs Mahindra Racing Of 2nd Win In Berlin
Sameer Contractor
1 min read
Jun 12, 2017, 05:36 AM
Key Highlights
- Mahindra's Felix Rosenqvist won Race 2 with a lead of 2.9 seconds
- Rosenqvist almost hit into teammate Heidfield in the pitlane
- Mahindra Racing stands third in the 2017 team championship standings
It could've been a perfect weekend for Mahindra Racing in Formula E as Felix Rosenqvist managed to take a second consecutive win in Race 2 at Berlin. However, a blunder caused in the pitlane by the Swede attracted a 10 second time penalty, handing over the win to reigning champion Sebastian Buemi of Renault eDams. This despite Rosenqvist winning the race with a 2.9 second gap of the Renault driver. The Mahindra driver picked up the penalty due to an unsafe release that involved his own teammate Nick Heidfield, but still had enough gap over Lucas di Grassi of ABT Schaeffler Audi, who finished third, to have a podium finish in second place.
After a fantastic win on Saturday, Rosenqvist was in his prime performance on Sunday as well starting Race 2 at pole, while Buemi and Jose Maria Lopez of DS Virgin Racing followed at second and third respectively. The Mahindra Racing driver was aggressive right from the start and maintained his lead throughout the race with a 2-second gap. Keeping up with the Swede, Buemi was a close second while fending off competition from Maria Lopez and his teammate Sam Bird. Buemi even managed to close the gap to half a second just before the first half of the race came to an end.
However, it was now that Rosenqvist was about to lose his hard build advantage to Buemi at the mandatory car change. Felix had a strong in-lap, but an unsafe release from the pits resulted in the Mahindra Racing driver almost hitting into teammate Heidfield, who also pitted in to change his car. While the incident caused delay, Rosenqvist's in-lap advantage helped him retain his lead but it was clear that a penalty was inevitable. By Lap 33, the 10 second penalty was confirmed. Heidfield, on the other hand, could not replicate his podium finish from Race 1 and had to settle for the tenth place, thereby securing crucial points for the team.
The incident also worked for Sebastien Buemi, who continues to retain his lead in the championship standings. The Renault driver made it clear that as soon as the penalty was confirmed, he did not want to build too much pressure on Rosenqvist so that he could finish ahead of Lucas di Grassi, who has been closing in on the Swiss in the standings.
Buemi's unprecedented win has helped the reigning champion re-consolidate his lead, especially after being disqualified in Race 1 on Saturday. Meanwhile, di Grassi is second on the leaderboard trailing behind by 31 points while Rosenqvist is a distant third. However, in team standings, Mahindra Racing currently stands third with 149 points, behind Renault eDams and ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport.
undefinedMahindra pitstop chaos! #BerlinePrix pic.twitter.com/xNNahypNuK
— FIA Formula E (@FIAformulaE) June 11, 2017
After a fantastic win on Saturday, Rosenqvist was in his prime performance on Sunday as well starting Race 2 at pole, while Buemi and Jose Maria Lopez of DS Virgin Racing followed at second and third respectively. The Mahindra Racing driver was aggressive right from the start and maintained his lead throughout the race with a 2-second gap. Keeping up with the Swede, Buemi was a close second while fending off competition from Maria Lopez and his teammate Sam Bird. Buemi even managed to close the gap to half a second just before the first half of the race came to an end.
undefined'What a move' @LucasdiGrassi rises to P3 #BerlinePrix pic.twitter.com/dlcTYvxvpu
— FIA Formula E (@FIAformulaE) June 11, 2017
However, it was now that Rosenqvist was about to lose his hard build advantage to Buemi at the mandatory car change. Felix had a strong in-lap, but an unsafe release from the pits resulted in the Mahindra Racing driver almost hitting into teammate Heidfield, who also pitted in to change his car. While the incident caused delay, Rosenqvist's in-lap advantage helped him retain his lead but it was clear that a penalty was inevitable. By Lap 33, the 10 second penalty was confirmed. Heidfield, on the other hand, could not replicate his podium finish from Race 1 and had to settle for the tenth place, thereby securing crucial points for the team.
undefinedNice move by @NickHeidfeld to get himself into the points and P10 #BerlinePrix pic.twitter.com/IGKPAtinxY
— FIA Formula E (@FIAformulaE) June 11, 2017
The incident also worked for Sebastien Buemi, who continues to retain his lead in the championship standings. The Renault driver made it clear that as soon as the penalty was confirmed, he did not want to build too much pressure on Rosenqvist so that he could finish ahead of Lucas di Grassi, who has been closing in on the Swiss in the standings.
Buemi's unprecedented win has helped the reigning champion re-consolidate his lead, especially after being disqualified in Race 1 on Saturday. Meanwhile, di Grassi is second on the leaderboard trailing behind by 31 points while Rosenqvist is a distant third. However, in team standings, Mahindra Racing currently stands third with 149 points, behind Renault eDams and ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport.
Related News
Popular Renault Models
Latest Cars
Upcoming Cars
Latest News
Seshan Vijayraghvan | May 5, 2026Tata Harrier And Safari Ultra Red Dark Variants Introduced For Diesel Models; Prices Start From Rs. 23.85 LakhThe Harrier Ultra diesel manual is priced at Rs. 23.85 lakh and the Safari Ultra diesel manual (7-seater) at Rs. 24.50 lakh (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi).2 mins read
car&bike Team | May 5, 2026McLaren Reveals Track-Only MCL-HY HypercarThe GTR will be offered to select customers, bundled with access to Le Mans and the 2027 World Endurance Championship.2 mins read
Jaiveer Mehra | May 5, 2026Mahindra To Launch 16 New SUVs By 2031At its annual revenue announcement, the company confirmed the launch of 10 internal combustion and 6 EVs in the next 5 years.3 mins read
Bilal Firfiray | May 5, 2026Mini Cooper S GP Inspired Edition Bookings Open; Only 30 Units Will Be SoldYou can now book a limited-edition Mini Cooper in India for that much-needed exclusivity, as only 30 units of the GP Inspired Edition will be launched.1 min read
car&bike Team | May 5, 20262026 QJ Motor SRV 300 2.0 Launched At Rs. 3.29 LakhThe QJ Motor SRV 300 gets some cosmetic updates for 2026 but now gets marginally more expensive at Rs. 3.29 lakh (Ex-showroom).1 min read
Bilal Firfiray | May 5, 2026Mahindra ATV Revealed; It’s A Thar Roxx Ready For Armed ForcesStrip down the Thar Roxx, and you get this ATV ready to join the armed forces. And it comes wearing specific changes to make it battle-ready too.1 min read
Jafar Rizvi | May 3, 2026River Indie Gen 3 Long Term Report: 1 Month, 400 km AfterAfter a month and 400 km, the River Indie impresses with its utility-first approach, smooth ride and standout design, despite a few everyday usability compromises.8 mins read
Bilal Firfiray | May 2, 2026Volkswagen Taigun Facelift Review: Still The Driver’s SUV, But Improved!The updated Volkswagen Taigun gets a new 8-speed automatic, a refreshed design, and added features. But does it still deliver the best driving experience in the C-SUV segment?5 mins read
Shams Raza Naqvi | Apr 29, 2026Toyota Innova Hycross Vs Mahindra XEV 9S: Choosing The Right Three Row Family MoverIn a battle of three-row cars the electric Mahindra XEV 9S takes on the Toyota Innova Hycross. Which one ticks more boxes?1 min read
Janak Sorap | Apr 26, 2026BMW F 450 GS First Ride Review: Almost A Proper GS With Big Bike DNANew 420cc twin, premium build, feature-loaded and Easy Ride Clutch — but does it deliver where it truly matters?8 mins read
Seshan Vijayraghvan | Apr 25, 20262026 MG Majestor Review: Bold, Feature-Packed And Off-Road ReadyWe spent time with the MG Majestor to see how much of an improvement it is over the Gloster, and whether it can take on the segment leader – Toyota Fortuner.9 mins read