Formula E world champion Jake Dennis says he and his team deserved his drivers’ title after the season that they have had in 2023.
The Andretti driver clinched the championship in the all-electric series with a race to spare in today’s first race in London, finishing second after Nick Cassidy retired following contact with his team mate Sebastien Buemi.Mitch Evans, who was third in the standings, won the chaotic race but Dennis’ points advantage meant he was mathematically unbeatable and thus was world champion.
“I am lost for words, honestly,” Dennis said after the race.
“It means so much to me, the boys – standing out there, that had everything thrown at us. Honestly, it felt like everyone was racing against us. But Jesus Christ, we’ve just become world champion. I am so, so happy for myself, the team and everyone. We deserved it so much.”
Dennis has taken two race wins and two pole positions in this year’s championship but has also been on the podium in 10 out of the 15 rounds held – a record for a single season in Formula E. He credited his team for giving him the car to consistently run at the front throughout the season.
“I only joined this championship three years ago and we almost won it in our rookie year, but now to come back and properly have the year that we’ve had, break all the podium records and to become world champion, is just mind-blowing,” he said.
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“I really didn’t think it coming into this year. Full, full credit to my boys – I love them so much, they’ve given me an absolute rocket ship all year and this is the least I could do for them.”
Team owner Michael Andretti, who travelled to London to support Dennis throughout the championship finale, said it had been a nerve-wracking race to watch in the garage with multiple incidents, Safety Car periods and even two red flag stoppages.
“It was insane,” Andretti said. “I think that just basically explains what Formula E is all about. You just never know all the way until the last lap. Even those last two laps, we were just holding our breath, it was just crazy.
“I just can’t thank the team [enough for] hanging in there all these years to finally get up on the top of the podium for a championship.
“I want to thank Porsche, their power train was fantastic. We’ve been competitive all year with it. Thanks also to our sponsor Avalanche and everybody else. But all the crew, I mean, they worked their butts off and they really deserve this win.”
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