An Epic Comeback from the Back: Cassidy's São Paulo Triumph Sparks Debate in Formula E
Imagine starting a high-stakes race dead last in the pack and clawing your way to the podium—now that's the thrill that makes Nick Cassidy a legend in Formula E! But here's where it gets controversial: Was this genius strategy or just plain luck? Stick around as we dive into the drama of the 2025/2026 season opener in São Paulo, where Cassidy and his engineer Pierre Paul Frey snagged the coveted ABB Engineered to Outrun Award. And this is the part most people miss—how a deliberate, patient approach turned a potential disaster into a masterclass in racing smarts.
Nick Cassidy has carved out a spot as one of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship's top passers, and the new season kicked off with a bang that showcased his skills perfectly. Teaming up with race engineer Pierre Paul Frey, this Citroën Racing newcomer secured the inaugural ABB Engineered to Outrun Award in São Paulo. For beginners wondering what that means, it's basically a nod to the driver who makes the most daring and effective passes during a race, rewarding those who outmaneuver the competition with precision and flair.
Cassidy launched from 15th place on the grid—a spot that screams challenge—and powered his way to third, delivering Citroën its first podium in the ABB FIA Formula E series. His driving style echoed the highlights of last season's thrilling moments, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. Interestingly, qualifying didn't fully reflect the car's true potential in Brazil; his teammate Jean-Éric Vergne qualified third, which better captured the Citroën's speed. Yet Cassidy remained upbeat, knowing that smart tactics, timing, and a bit of fortune could unlock even more. It's a reminder that in motorsport, the starting grid is just the beginning—strategy is king.
For context, check out the full report on Jake Dennis's dominant win in that stormy Season 12 opener in São Paulo, which set the stage for an unforgettable weekend.
Citroën chose Cassidy for a good reason: he's incredibly reliable at deciphering the ebb and flow of an ABB Formula E event. Early on, he wisely avoided the chaos of a frantic start, steering clear of risky moves that could have led to collisions. Instead, he focused on discipline. For the first half of the E-Prix, Cassidy prioritized energy management over aggressive overtaking. Starting from what became 14th after a lap-one gain, he held back despite the cars' potential to hit over 250 km/h in Attack Mode. His top speed stayed under 230 km/h for the initial third of the race, showing how much restraint he exercised.
He settled into the pack, maintaining an unremarkable average speed that matched his midfield status, but cleverly built a slight edge in battery charge over rivals. Think of it like saving a tiny bit of money each day—it adds up. By conserving energy while others burned it, Cassidy positioned himself to surge later, using his reserves for bigger moves without depleting his battery prematurely.
This approach might sound boring, but it's incredibly tough to execute. Saving just 0.1% or 0.2% per lap on battery might seem insignificant, yet over 10-15 laps, those fractions accumulate into a substantial advantage. Early Attack Mode users often drain their batteries faster, triggering chain reactions of aggressive defending that benefit patient drivers like Cassidy. By the midpoint, he had about 3% more energy than the average, setting up his perfect timing.
And timing was everything. Around lap 16 to 22, Cassidy ramped up his energy use, deploying more than 0.3% per lap—way above the norm. With Attack Mode engaged, he sliced through the field like a hot knife through butter, jumping from 14th to 2nd in mere laps. To highlight his judgment, he clinched his final overtake with seconds left in Attack Mode. For new fans, Attack Mode is a boost that increases speed and power but consumes extra energy, so using it at the right moment is crucial.
Learn more about Citroën Racing's groundbreaking entry into Formula E, where they're pushing boundaries in sustainable motorsport.
A poorly timed safety car interrupted his second Attack Mode, preventing him from defending against Jake Dennis's late pass. In a twist of fate, it might have cost him the win, but even so, Cassidy's race management was spot-on. Despite a late full-course yellow and red flag—think of these as temporary slowdowns for safety—his early conservation meant he wasn't scrambling at the end. Those interruptions actually worked against him, underscoring the race's unpredictability.
It's remarkable that fans felt a touch of disappointment in the result, even though Cassidy bagged his maiden podium with Citroën from 15th on their debut. That speaks volumes about his talent and the team's potential.
Now, here's the controversial bit: Some argue Cassidy's method is the future of Formula E—smart, sustainable racing over brute force. But others say it rewards cautious drivers who avoid risks, potentially making the sport less exciting. What do you think? Is patience the ultimate skill in electric racing, or does it dull the edge of drama? Share your views in the comments—do you side with the strategists or the daredevils?
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