Maserati MSG Racing’s Maximilian Günther staged an impressive recovery drive at the 2024 Portland E-Prix, gaining 13 positions to finish eighth in a hard-fought race in Oregon.
After facing a challenging first race on Saturday, the 26-year-old rebounded in strong fashion on Sunday after initially struggling for pace across practice and Qualifying.
Max launched his efforts from Group A but lined up at the rear of the grid in 21stwhile team-mate, Jehan Daruvala, qualified ninth after narrowly missing out on the duels by only 0.003 seconds.
At the start of the race, both drivers chose to hold position before strategically dropping back in the field to save energy which would be deployed at a later stage.
With an energy offset over their closest rivals, Max and Jehan then used this to their advantage and began to fight through the pack with furious efficiency.
As the battle started to heat up ahead, Max slotted into the top 10 on lap 15 by overtaking Edoardo Mortara and entered a multi-lap battle with Sacha Fenestraz and Norman Nato in the fight for eighth.
After overtaking both, Max was unfortunately pushed wide by Lucas di Grassi and slipped to 10th before an ill-timed Safety Car, caused by debris on track, neutralised the race on lap 18.
This pause in action reduced energy saving targets throughout the field, and as a result, minimised Max and Jehan’s earlier strategic advantage, although the pair continued to fight.
By clearing Fenestraz for a second time, Max slotted into ninth and overtook Di Grassi on the final lap to claim eighth at the flag, while Jehan also passed the Brazilian to finish 12th.
Season 10 of the FIA Formula E World Championship will continue in London, United Kingdom on 20-21 July 2024 where a campaign will come to a close and a champion will be crowned.
