Championship leader Buemi disqualified from Berlin Formula E opener
Formula E championship leader Sebastien Buemi has been disqualified from the first Berlin race
The Renault e.dams driver charged from 14th to fifth in the first half of the Tempelhof double-header.
Post-race checks then revealed that all four tyres on both of his cars were below the minimum pressure stipulated by tyre supplier Michelin.
Minimum tyre pressure was set at 1.60 bar - the tyres on Buemi's first car came in at 1.46, 1.57, 1.54 and 1.52 bar respectively, while on the second car the pressures were 1.54, 1.54, 1.59 and 1.53 bar.
This breached Article 25.11 of Formula E's sporting regulations and Buemi has been disqualified as a result.
"It was a mistake from our side that cost us greatly," said team co-owner Alain Prost.
"It is our duty to do better in tomorrow's ePrix for the team and obviously to keep Sebastien in the championship battle."
Buemi said: "Obviously, I am very disappointed today.
"After a poor qualifying, I did a great race to finish in fifth position and score the maximum points I could.
"However, despite the disappointment, I remain focused to do another great race tomorrow and come back even stronger."
Buemi's exclusion cuts his championship lead from 32 points to 22, after nearest rival Lucas di Grassi qualified on pole position and finished second.
It also promotes Nico Prost to fifth in the race results and elevates Daniel Abt, Sam Bird, Jean-Eric Vergne, Maro Engel and (into the points) Oliver Turvey.
Renault e.dams maintains a healthy lead in the teams' championship, although its advantage over Abt Audi Sport drops from 66 points to 54.
| Pos | Driver | Team | Laps | Time | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Felix Rosenqvist | Mahindra | 44 | 53m19.661s | - |
| 2 | Lucas di Grassi | Abt | 44 | 53m21.893s | 2.232s |
| 3 | Nick Heidfeld | Mahindra | 44 | 53m23.719s | 4.058s |
| 4 | Jose Maria Lopez | Virgin | 44 | 53m33.299s | 13.638s |
| 5 | Nicolas Prost | e.dams | 44 | 53m38.729s | 19.068s |
| 6 | Daniel Abt | Abt | 44 | 53m39.460s | 19.799s |
| 7 | Sam Bird | Virgin | 44 | 53m39.726s | 20.065s |
| 8 | Jean-Eric Vergne | Techeetah | 44 | 53m40.350s | 20.689s |
| 9 | Maro Engel | Venturi | 44 | 53m58.691s | 39.030s |
| 10 | Oliver Turvey | NextEV | 44 | 54m00.646s | 40.985s |
| 11 | Stephane Sarrazin | Techeetah | 44 | 54m02.343s | 42.682s |
| 12 | Nelson Piquet Jr. | NextEV | 44 | 54m02.641s | 42.980s |
| 13 | Jerome d'Ambrosio | Dragon | 44 | 54m05.373s | 45.712s |
| 14 | Adam Carroll | Jaguar | 44 | 54m09.319s | 49.658s |
| 15 | Loic Duval | Dragon | 44 | 54m18.671s | 59.010s |
| 16 | Antonio Felix da Costa | Andretti | 44 | 54m19.930s | 1m00.269s |
| 17 | Robin Frijns | Andretti | 44 | 54m22.124s | 1m02.463s |
| 18 | Tom Dillmann | Venturi | 44 | 54m27.356s | 1m07.695s |
| - | Sebastien Buemi | e.dams | 44 | 53m37.549s | Disqualified |
| - | Mitch Evans | Jaguar | 16 | 51m46.210s | Not classified |
Previous article
Formula E Berlin: Felix Rosenqvist wins comfortably for Mahindra
Next article
Berlin Formula E: Jose Maria Lopez sets fastest time in practice
#ThinkingForward with Susie Wolff
Jaguar Racing: Monaco E-Prix Highlights
How motorsport's most prominent power couple found joint success
The Wolffs have carved their own paths in motorsport, leading their respective teams to success in Formula 1 and Formula E. But the two came together last month as their drivers finished first and second in the FE drivers' championship - a feat they are hugely proud of. In a rare joint interview, they reflect on a remarkable season
The top 10 Formula E drivers of 2020-21
OPINION: The 2021 Formula E campaign was one without a narrative for much of the season, with no single car or driver able to break away from the pack. That makes choosing a top 10 especially difficult, particularly as the qualifying format meant some worthy performers were unable to enjoy their day in the sun
How Mercedes and De Vries achieved Formula E glory the hard way
When Nyck de Vries dominated the first race of what would be the most controversial and unpredictable Formula E season to date, it looked as though Mercedes was in for a cakewalk. But as the campaign wore on, the path to a title double became increasingly rocky. Neither driver or team would be assured of the crown until the closing stages of the very final race on a weekend of struggle in Berlin
The Formula E 'loan' deal that will keep its original missionary winning
OPINION: The departure of Audi from Formula E meant its long-time driver Lucas di Grassi would need to find a new berth to stay on the grid. His deal at Venturi Racing will ensure the championship's first-ever race winner will remain competitive into the final year of the current Gen2 ruleset - although it may not be a long-term fit
The problems laid bare by Mercedes' impending Formula E departure
Mercedes' planned withdrawal from Formula E at the end of the 2022 season will contribute to the big hole left by fellow automotive manufacturers Audi and BMW on their departures. Although the team may stick around under a different guise, the exit of the now-reigning teams' champion underlines FE's current issues...
The F1 dilemma facing Mercedes' new world champion
After clinching the Formula E title at the Berlin finale, Nyck de Vries is a driver in demand. Although Mercedes would love to keep a reigning champion at the team, the allure of a Williams F1 drive may be too much for de Vries to ignore should a potential deal come to pass
How de Vries claimed Formula E title glory as Mercedes exit bombshell looms
As Formula E lined up to complete its seventh season at Berlin's Tempelhof Airport, all eyes were on who would be its first official FIA world champion. Despite Nyck de Vries' title lead heading into the weekend looking all but secure, the Dutchman held on - and enjoyed a good dollop of fortune - to secure a championship double for Mercedes
Why a brutal title defence can still yield another Formula E crown
It hasn't been properly reflected by the points table, but Antonio Felix da Costa has been nigh-on flawless in his Formula E title defence in 2021. Returning to the scene of his Berlin dominance in 2020, he has the chance to set the record straight and claim a remarkable against-the-odds second title
