„Given the circumstances, he is doing well“ – Wehrlein to undergo more tests in the hospital
Reported by Timo Pape on December 7, 2024, at 8:30 PM
The opening race of the Formula E season in Sao Paulo was marked by a shocking incident. With just five laps remaining, a collision occurred in Turn 6 between Nick Cassidy, driving for Jaguar, and Pascal Wehrlein. As a result, the German driver’s Porsche was launched into the air, violently hitting the barrier with its roof before coming to rest upside down. Wehrlein was immediately assessed by medical staff at the scene, and it appears that the world champion did not sustain any serious injuries.
Porsche team boss Florian Modlinger informed ServusTV shortly after the race that the individual is doing well, all things considered. „Initially, he was examined at the medical center, and everything turned out fine. We’re sending him to the hospital for a thorough examination to ensure everything is absolutely checked. But the key message is: He is okay.“
Reigning world champion Pascal Wehrlein was involved in a major collision with Nick Cassidy. Pascal confirmed he was unharmed and exited the vehicle soon after. #SaoPauloEPrix pic.twitter.com/i2kCk2Gqvy — Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) December 7, 2024
Shortly after the crash, Wehrlein reassured his team over the radio that he was unharmed. Despite this, he had to remain hanging upside down in the car for several minutes until a crane eventually set the Porsche upright on the track. With assistance from safety personnel, the 30-year-old climbed out of the car and was immediately taken to the medical center.
„I’m obviously very relieved that Pascal is okay,“ remarked teammate Antonio Felix da Costa, who finished the race in second place, shortly after the E-Prix. „I haven’t had the chance to talk to him yet. It’s a reminder for all of us that what we do here is dangerous. It has opened our eyes once again—we all need to drive with the necessary respect for each other.“ Taylor Barnard also commented during the press conference: „I saw it happen right next to me—it was a truly frightening crash!“
Stunning images provided by our photography partner @Spacesuit_Media. We are relieved that WEH is safe! ?? #FormelE #FormulaE #ABBFormulaE @FIAFormulaE #SaoPauloEPrix @PorscheFormulaE pic.twitter.com/3fBc2sKFi1
Cassidy described feeling quite uneasy. The crash involving Wehrlein was the final event in a series of incidents that he initially set in motion himself. As they approached turn 5, he tried to squeeze past Cassidy on the inside. However, Cassidy was already next to Max Günther on the other side. With no other options, Cassidy pushed Günther towards the wall, damaging his own front suspension in the process. By the time they reached the next right-hand turn, turn 6, Wehrlein was to Cassidy’s left, but Cassidy could no longer steer properly.
As the turn became tighter, Wehrlein’s Porsche made contact with Cassidy’s left front wheel and lifted off the ground. It collided with the safety barrier using the top of the vehicle, landed upside down, and continued to skid for several meters amidst a shower of sparks.
An overview of the collision involving Wehrlein and Cassidy that led to the red flag being waved. Pascal Wehrlein has exited his vehicle. #SaoPauloEPrix pic.twitter.com/QTFPUKfhwp — Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) December 7, 2024
Cassidy watched the scene unfold from the cockpit and initially joined in the taxiing. After the race, he shared his perspective with Motorsport.com: „I don’t really feel like I caused anyone to crash. Suddenly, two cars appeared from behind on either side of me, essentially boxing me in. I’m not sure what I could have done in that situation. It’s quite unsettling to see a car flipped over. That’s why I’m very relieved that he’s okay.“
The reason for the contact with Wehrlein was a broken front right suspension on the Jaguar. „I’m not sure what exactly was bent or damaged, but we had to do a lot of repairs to get back on track.“ Cassidy eventually did return, but he soon decided to withdraw completely. „Once I was back out, other issues arose. In the final laps, there was a problem with our software. We experienced some kind of energy issue,“ Cassidy explained.
The „Kiwi“ also ended up without a win, despite high hopes for victory. However, his teammate Mitch Evans managed to salvage the situation for Jaguar by clinching the victory in the opening race.
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