Vandoorne Seizes Victory in Rain-Soaked Tokyo E-Prix

Stoffel Vandoorne

Bold early strategy delivers first win since 2022 for Maserati driver

Stoffel Vandoorne returned to the top step of the Formula E podium with a perfectly executed win at the Tokyo E-Prix, mastering tricky weather conditions and a red flag restart to secure his first victory since Monaco 2022.

The Maserati MSG Racing driver took a bold approach early in the race, using up more energy than rivals to open his pit window as soon as possible. That decision proved decisive when a red flag reshuffled the order and allowed him to resume from the front once the race got back underway.

“Super happy that our plan actually worked,” said Vandoorne. “It was a very bold and aggressive strategy decision to burn a lot of energy at the beginning so we could open our pit window early.

Then obviously we were the first ones to pit and we got a bit lucky with the red flag, and the field got bunched up again. After the restart, it was very difficult to bring the car home – a lot of management to do, giving comms to the team and making sure I had enough energy to make it to the flag. I knew exactly what was going on, I knew that I would inherit the lead at some point and I just had to bring it home. I was probably a little bit too safe at some points and made a couple of mistakes that shouldn’t have happened. In the end we brought it home and I’m just super happy our plan paid off.”

Weather, Strategy and a Race of Two Halves

Saturday’s Tokyo race started without a qualifying session due to heavy rain, meaning the grid was set by Free Practice 2 results. Nissan’s Oliver Rowland started from pole, with Vandoorne several rows back.

It was the timing of Vandoorne’s PIT BOOST that changed everything. He dove into the pits early before a red flag paused the race due to Maximilian Günther’s retirement. With the field reset, the Belgian emerged as the leader and held position after the restart, despite having to manage energy, tyre temperature and pressure from behind.

Rowland Holds Firm to Extend Championship Lead

Despite losing out on the win, Oliver Rowland extended his lead in the Drivers’ Championship by finishing second and keeping his title charge on track.

“We did everything we could, this is part of the game – it happens sometimes,” Rowland said. “We knew there was a risk that people would try to pit early – a bit like Nico [Mueller] in Monaco – but you obviously can’t do it from the front. There’s maybe some tweaking to do on the way we manage the pit stop stuff, but honestly from my side I felt like I got the most out of the car.

I was super quick in the first half of the race, I struggled a little bit more in the last 10 laps, but I can’t complain to be honest. The fact that it was only one that got away, I’m pretty happy. Tomorrow will be different without Pit Boost, I think qualifying will be quite important and then it’ll just be about positioning yourself for the Attack Mode for the race. I haven’t even thought about tomorrow yet.”

Rowland’s consistency continues to pay off, and he remains in control of the championship heading into the second race of the Tokyo double-header.

Barnard Shines Again for NEOM McLaren in E-PRIX

Teenage talent Taylor Barnard added another podium to his rookie season with a composed drive to third. The NEOM McLaren driver handled the wet conditions with maturity and delivered once again for the British outfit.

“To be honest, FP2 this morning was great – it was not expected and I’ve not really driven that much in the rain,” said Barnard. “Of course that was my first session in the wet, so to be honest the turnaround from yesterday was incredible.

We didn’t really expect any racing this afternoon – the weather was really bad – so for it to dry off enough that we could race was really surprising, and to get another podium was incredible. I can’t thank the team enough – it’s nice to be back on the podium for sure.”

Barnard continues to impress with his adaptability and pace, quickly building a name for himself in the all-electric championship.

Looking Ahead to Round Nine

Formula E remains in Tokyo for the second half of its double-header. With dry conditions expected and no PIT BOOST on the table, Sunday’s race is likely to play out differently. But for now, Vandoorne and Maserati can enjoy a well-earned return to the top in one of the most unpredictable races of the season so far.