It was no surprise that the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team’s first experience of the Pit Boost pit stops went super smoothly in Jeddah last month.
That’s because exhaustive practice and analysis that went in to executing the return of pit stops in Formula E for the first time in seven years.
Well-drilled, highly organised, and slickly choreographed pit stops are second nature to Porsche in a variety of racing disciplines, but it’s often forgotten that it was the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia.
That’s because Porsche did not compete in Gen1 Formula E between 2014-2018, and only emerged as a factory force at the start of the second Gen2 season in 2019-20.
It was impossible to know that though, looking at Pascal Wehrlein’s stop in Jeddah, despite the fact that he was out of contention for points scoring positions thanks to a puncture after being hit by Mitch Evans’ Jaguar on the first lap.
“For us, it was faultless,” said Wehrlein.
“Obviously, I was quite alone there at the back (because of Mitch Evans inflicted puncture on lap one) so I couldn't get experience with other cars being around and how that would be.
“But I think the most important thing is that we got it right, straight from the beginning. The software works and honestly it's very easy to get a penalty. So, I think we've done our homework there.”
The introduction of the pit-boosting stops for the 2024-25 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship season sees a 30-second feed of energy put into the spec Rechargeable Energy Storage Systems that are used in the new-look Gen3Evo machines.
The boosting equipment, which has been delivered by the Fortescue Zero company, gives a 600kW ultra-fast boost of +10% of total battery capacity in just over 30 seconds.
The technology is enhanced by Fortescue Zero’s battery intelligence software called Elysia, which optimises speed, while preserving battery life and integrity.
These ultra-fast technology innovations help develop real-world solutions, including a 6MW solution to power batteries for heavy industry vehicle applications, underscoring the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship’s world-leading test bed for commercial partners involved in the series.
Teams are limited to three personnel per pit stop, two on the equipment itself and then one as a lookout. There is no possibility to stack the two cars meaning that teams have to effectively split the strategy somewhat between the two drivers during the race.
It makes for a fascinating dynamic and one that is sure to spice up the already action-packed races this season.
For Wehrlein, he believes that the variety in having low energy races with ones that include a pit stop to replace energy are an intriguing dynamic in the overall sporting structures of EPrixs.
“We have so many ‘peloton races’ in Formula E where the qualifying is not important at all,” says the driver who scored two consecutive pole positions at the start of the present campaign.
“I think it's also good on the other side to have some races where qualifying matters and you want to have a good starting position where it's more difficult to overtake. I have no hard feelings about that.
“We always see races where it's easier to overtake. And honestly, now, looking at the last couple of seasons, some races it's so, so easy to overtake, so for me it's also good on the other side to have some different races.”
Although Jeddah proved Porsche’s nimbleness in a quick and trouble-free stop for Wehrlein and teammate António Félix da Costa, it will be at the subsequent races where it is likely to be more integral in overall results for the duo.
Monaco, Tokyo, Shanghai, Berlin, and London will be next up for the Pit Boost action this season with the additional strategy angle sure to play a big role in the outcome of this year’s title.
