Stoffel Vandoorne capped an end of an era in Formula E by claiming his first drivers’ world championship.
Vandoorne finished second during Sunday’s Hana Bank Seoul E-Prix season finale in Seoul to clinch the trophy plus a second consecutive teams’ title for Mercedes-EQ.
The historic 100th E-Prix race, won by Edoardo Mortara of ROKiT Venturi Racing, brought the Gen2 years to a close with the Gen3 car set to make its debut next season. Mercedes-EQ is also bowing out from the series with McLaren Racing acquiring its operations.
Vandoorne claimed one victory in Monaco and finished on the podium a total of eight times during his fourth season in Formula E and third with Mercedes. The 30-year-old Belgian driver previously raced for McLaren in Formula One.
“World Champions; wow,” Vandoorne said in a statement. “It’s just the best feeling ever. Just look at the season we’ve had — the consistency and the car has been amazing, and the team has done an incredible job.
“I think every single one of us deserves it. What we’ve accomplished is something special.”
Vandoorne finished 33 points ahead of Mitch Evans from Jaguar TCS Racing in the standings. Evans, who was the only driver mathematically remaining in contention to challenge Vandoorne for the title, took the checkered flag Saturday to start the doubleheader weekend and finished seventh in Sunday’s race.
“Mitch has pushed me all the way along — the same with Edo — they were there all the time,” Vandoorne said. “It was really about the consistency in the end, they all have more wins than me, but I have the most podiums I think. … It was an awesome day, a lot of concentration.
“I am drained after this year, it has been a lot of effort, the effort I have put in and the team has put in — it is incredible.”
The all-electric Formula E series returns for its ninth season starting Jan. 14 in Mexico City.
