9:48 am today

Evans, Cassidy suffer Formula E title heartbreak

9:48 am today
EVANS Mitch (nzl), Jaguar TCS Racing, Jaguar I-Type 6, portrait, CASSIDY Nick (nzl), Jaguar TCS Racing, Jaguar I-Type 6, portrait during the 2024 Hankook London ePrix, 10th meeting of the 2023-24 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, on the ExCeL London from June 18 to 21, 2024 in London, United Kingdom - Photo Paulo Maria / DPPI (Photo by Paulo Maria / Paulo Maria / DPPI via AFP)

New Zealand drivers Mitch Evans (left) and Nick Cassidy (right). Photo: Paulo Maria / AFP

New Zealand drivers Mitch Evans and Nick Cassidy had their hopes of a Formula E championship dashed in a dramatic final round in London.

Evans finished second overall and Jaguar TCS Racing team-mate Cassidy third, with German Porsche driver Pascal Wehrlein powering home to clinch the title.

The Kiwi pair had the solace of claiming the team's title in the 10th edition of the championship but it could have been so much better, with both well placed heading into the weekend's two final races.

Cassidy lead narrowly from second-placed Evans although the tight nature of the standings meant up to seven drivers could emerge with the silverware.

Nick Cassidy of Jaguar Formula E

Nick Cassidy of Jaguar Formula E Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Former Formula One driver Wehrlein put himself in the box seat by winning race on Sunday morning from Evans, with Cassidy only seventh.

The deciding race on Monday morning proved forgettable for Cassidy, who was hit from behind by German Max Gunther and was forced to retire with a puncture.

It left Wehrlein and Evans to contest the title but the New Zealanders' hopes weren't helped when his "attack mode" - when drivers give their car a power boost - didn't work at a key moment late in the race.

Jaguar Formula E driver Mitche Evans

Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Wehrlein finished the race second behind Briton Oliver Rowland, with Evans third.

It was another near miss for Evans, whose championship finishes have been second, third and third over the three previous seasons.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs

We have regular online commentary of local and international sport.