How Cassidy surprised himself to storm to Formula E's summit in Saudi

Jaguar's new recruit didn’t expect much from the double-header weekend in Diriyah. But a win and a third means he now heads the Formula E standings as early leader Pascal Wehrlein and defending champion Jake Dennis endured mixed weekends

Published Jan 29, 2024, 7:00 PM

“Historically I’ve struggled here a little bit so I’m not expecting big things.” Nick Cassidy’s pre-event comments did little to offer much encouragement that he would continue his promising start to the 2024 Formula E season in Saudi Arabia. Yet come the end of the Diriyah E-Prix double-header, the Kiwi had not only walked away with his first win for Jaguar but also the lead in the drivers’ standings after two well-measured performances in varying circumstances.

The foundation for Cassidy’s win in the second race was laid down in qualifying as he made it as far as the semi-final duels and a starting position of third. On a street circuit where dust and dirt was prevalent off the racing line, as well as energy management being less critical than at other venues, overtaking was at a premium.

Author Stefan Mackley

A proud Yorkshireman, Stefan Mackley is Autosport's National Deputy Editor. Having graduated from the University of Central Lancashire with a degree in sports journalism he spent nearly four years working on local newspapers in Wiltshire - during which time he became an NQJ-qualified journalist and cut his teeth covering club racing at Castle Combe in his spare time.

Making the jump into motorsport journalism full-time, he joined the national desk for both Autosport magazine and Motorsport News in 2017 before becoming National Deputy Editor for the former in 2020.

His passion for motorsport stems from watching Formula 1 as a child with his father and is matched only by his love for Star Wars.

A better journalist than racing driver, he has so far competed in the Citroen C1 24 Hours and 116 Trophy with hopes of racing more machinery in 2021 and beyond.