„You’re right in the heart of the jungle“ – Müller and Hughes describe crash at Formula E season opener
By Timo Pape, December 10, 2024, 12:07 PM
The chaotic Formula E race had its first major incident when Jake Hughes and Nico Müller simultaneously lost control of their cars in strikingly similar circumstances. Both drivers ended up sliding sideways into the wall, with their vehicles eventually colliding. After the race, they recounted the events that led to their early exit.
The Sao Paulo E-Prix began without major incidents, but trouble struck in the second lap. Almost simultaneously, minor collisions occurred in Turn 6 involving Lucas di Grassi, Jake Hughes, and Sebastien Buemi, and just behind them, another between Nico Müller and David Beckmann. Hughes was the first to lose control, skidding sideways into the wall at the exit of the turn.
Subsequently, Müller experienced a similar incident, this time involving David Beckmann’s car. After a slight touch, he skidded sideways into the already impacted Maserati. Both vehicles sustained significant damage and were unable to continue. Since both the Maserati and the Andretti required towing, the safety car was deployed onto the track.
Significant collision involving Mueller and Hughes? The vehicles collided as they exited the chicane. Fortunately, both drivers are unharmed. The @Porsche Safety Car has been deployed. #SaoPauloEPrix pic.twitter.com/YxfGBHnUa1 — Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) December 7, 2024
In an interview with DF1, Müller recalls his brief initial race for the Porsche customer team Andretti, saying, „There was an early chaotic situation involving three cars ahead of me. I think it was David (Beckmann) who was involved, but he couldn’t just disappear unless he hit the brakes. I tried to find a way to avoid the situation.“
The Swiss individual explained his situation amidst the commotion, saying, „I think none of us could do anything and we just tried to avoid the chaos. But then you suddenly find yourself right in the middle of the jungle.“ He continued, „There was a slight contact, and I ended up colliding sideways with Hughes‘ car, which was already stationary. The damage to the car was significant, and we didn’t score any points – it couldn’t have gone much worse, unfortunately.“
Hughes: „I tried to avoid the crash“
Hughes, who was also making his debut for his new team Maserati MSG Racing, described the incident in a similar fashion: „There was a minor traffic jam ahead of us, with three or four cars involved in a collision with another vehicle.“
„I noticed what was coming around the next bend and attempted to prevent a crash. Unfortunately, another driver forced the one I was trying to dodge into the inside wall, which caused me to be thrown outward and collide with the outer wall. There’s not much you can do to avoid such an incident.“
The race officials also deemed the chain reaction as a racing incident and decided not to issue any penalties. Müller and Hughes ended up with no points anyway. Maserati struggled significantly in Brazil, with Stoffel Vandoorne barely managing to secure a point by finishing tenth among the 14 classified drivers. In contrast, Andretti showed promise for a better performance: Jake Dennis was contending for victory until he encountered a brake failure.
Müller believes that the car has demonstrated its potential, and it’s now essential for us to maximize this in Mexico. The Mexico City E-Prix is scheduled for January 11th.
Return
No comments
Leave a comment
Audio series
Installment 348
FE: Preview of Sao Paulo: 90 Percent Chance of Rain
December 5, 2024 | Length: 24 minutes and 47 seconds
The extended off-season has come to an end, and it’s time for previews once more. Luca Storms and Tobi Wirtz take a closer look at the Sao Paulo track for you, discuss the top contenders in Brazil, and cover the TV and streaming broadcasts. Additionally, they talk about the December weather in Brazil and present another installment of the Grid-Dummies-Quiz. Enjoy listening!
Episode 347
Title: FE: A Starter’s Handbook
Date: November 30, 2024 | Duration: 1 hour and 55 seconds
Just before the inaugural race of the eleventh Formula E season, Luca Storms and Tobi Wirtz aim to address numerous fundamental questions about motorsport, with a focus on Formula E, in their Beginners‘ Guide, which is specifically tailored for newcomers to the series. To assist in this endeavor, they have enlisted Daniel Goggi, the Formula E commentator for ServusTV and DF1. Together, they not only tackle a variety of beginner inquiries but also engage in a broader discussion about Formula E and share insights on what many fans think about the series. Enjoy listening!
Episode 346
Analysis of Madrid: 38 Truck Journeys
November 21, 2024 | Duration: 33 minutes and 7 seconds
In this episode, Luca Storms and Tobi Wirtz reflect on the pre-season test drives that took place in Madrid. Although lap times don’t hold much significance, there are some intriguing insights to be gleaned just ahead of the season opener in Sao Paulo. The two also discuss the inaugural test session dedicated solely to female drivers in Formula E. Additionally, they share updates on the pit stops featuring fast charging and mention a guest appearance by the Formula E world champion in a car with a roof. Enjoy listening!
Episode 345 and a half
Formula E Preview for Jarama: Last-Minute Schedule Change
November 4, 2024 | Duration: 5 minutes and 4 seconds
The title of our preview for the Valencia test drives has not aged well. Instead of sunny weather, Spain was hit by a severe storm, affecting the Valencia region particularly hard and causing widespread devastation. In response, Formula E quickly moved the test sessions to Jarama, near Madrid, where they will take place from Tuesday to Friday. Additionally, Tobi Wirtz provides some new information about the drivers participating in the tests in this solo episode. Enjoy listening!
Episode 345
FE: Preview of Valencia: Journey to the Sunny South
October 30, 2024 | Duration: 28 minutes and 19 seconds
It’s preview time once again! Luca Storms and Tobi Wirtz look ahead to the test sessions in Valencia. They also discuss the potential return of a German driver and the women’s test scheduled at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo. However, the hottest topic in the paddock is the news that two teams have breached the Formula E budget cap and will face penalties in Valencia. Additionally, there’s a new installment of our popular Grid Dummies Quiz. Enjoy listening!
Social Networks
Upcoming Events
Mexico City, Mexico
Formula E event in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Formula E in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Formula E in Miami, United States
Monaco E-Prix, Monaco
About Us
Partners
Advertising
News
Information Center
