Formula E Sao ​​Paulo season-opener could be ‘temperature limited’ race

Formula E drivers have warned that this weekend’s season-opening Sao Paulo E-Prix could be a ‘temperature limited’ race, with car batteries exposed to extreme heat conditions.

Temperatures for the first race of the campaign are expected to exceed 30C and be similar to last season’s event, which was held on 16 March 2024.

Drivers suffered de-rating during previous outings, where energy from the battery was not delivered at its optimal level and performance was dramatically reduced, and the runner-up mitch evans He cited this as the reason for losing the victory in the last lap Sam Bird,

“I think we are fully prepared for it (de-rating) up and down the grid,” Maserati MSG said. jake hughes,

“Honestly, last year was a surprise for everyone. From what I’ve heard I don’t think anyone really planned for it last year and it was all about reacting at the time.

“Now we obviously know very well that temperatures will be very similar this weekend.

“I wouldn’t go so far as to say we are expecting it, but I think it completely depends on the pace of the race in the first half of the race. If it’s much faster than last year, I think we can definitely manage it.

With Attack Mode set to feature all-wheel-drive for the first time this season due to the new Gen3 Evo car, it is likely to have greater strategic relevance with teams and drivers potentially deploying it in later proceedings.

robin frizens believes drivers may be forced to use it earlier than planned, as any benefits from the additional 350 kW mode may be negated by higher battery temperatures.

“It’s hard to say about the tires because we’re not in a really hot situation with the tires yet, but the battery is definitely limited,” he said. “So if you end up in attack mode, it doesn’t matter.”

Envision teammate Sébastien Buemi also suggested that leaving it in too late could cause problems if the full eight minutes deployed on the two attack modes were not completed before the end of Saturday’s race.

“If you leave it late enough and you have a safety car and everyone is gathered and you still have the attack, it can be a game changer and you can pass a lot of people,” he said.

“But when you leave it on longer, if you can’t complete Attack Mode before the end of the race, you get disqualified, so again it’s a matter of battery temperature versus how much risk you want to take.” There will be an agreement.”