Maserati MSG Racing marked a strong showing at the first-ever Formula E race at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, with both Jake Hughes and Stoffel Vandoorne securing valuable championship points in Round Three of the 2024 season. Hughes showcased his potential with a top-five finish, while Vandoorne mounted a determined recovery drive to claim the final point on offer.
Qualifying Drama and a Strong Start
Both drivers took to the track in Group B for qualifying, where the ultra-competitive nature of Formula E was once again on display. Hughes delivered an impressive performance, making it into the knockout duels for the first time in Season 11. He faced Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein in the quarter-finals but was edged out by nine-tenths of a second after a minor mistake, ultimately securing P7 on the starting grid.
Vandoorne, meanwhile, narrowly missed out on a duels appearance, finishing P7 in Group B—just three-tenths shy of his teammate. As a result, he lined up P14 for the race, setting the stage for a determined fightback.
Mastering the Chaos at Lights Out
The opening lap saw multiple incidents, but both Maserati MSG Racing drivers expertly navigated the mayhem. Hughes capitalized on a strong start, immediately gaining positions and climbing to P5 before a brief Safety Car period was deployed to clear debris. Vandoorne also made early progress, moving up to P13.
Strategic Pit Boost Pays Dividends
With the race progressing, the focus shifted to the Pit Boost window—a pivotal new element requiring drivers to reach 60% energy before making their mandatory pit stop. Hughes was among the first to pit, executing a well-timed stop to mitigate an energy issue he had been managing. The undercut worked effectively, briefly elevating him to P2 before the field cycled through their stops, ultimately settling back into P5.
Vandoorne followed suit a few laps later, rejoining in P11. Determined to break into the points, he utilized two four-minute Attack Mode activations to mount a charge, securing P10 and adding a crucial point to his tally.
Hughes Holds Firm Under Pressure
As the race entered its closing stages, Hughes found himself in a fierce battle with McLaren’s Taylor Barnard. Barnard, benefiting from the energy efficiency of slipstreaming, launched a relentless pursuit. Hughes, however, defended with remarkable precision, demonstrating both skill and composure under pressure. Despite his best efforts, the sustained energy management battle eventually took its toll, forcing him to concede a late challenge. Nevertheless, his P5 finish marked a commendable result for the team.
Looking Ahead to Round Four
With a double points finish secured and valuable lessons learned, Maserati MSG Racing now sets its sights on Round Four at the same Jeddah Corniche Circuit. The removal of Pit Boost for the next race will add a fresh layer of complexity, pushing teams to adapt their strategies accordingly. Aiming for an even stronger showing, the team is targeting a double duels appearance in qualifying and another solid race performance.
Currently sitting seventh in the Teams’ Championship with 19 points, Maserati MSG Racing remains firmly in the fight as the season progresses. With momentum on their side, the team is ready to take on the next challenge under the desert lights in Jeddah.
