Feature by Katy Fairman
This week marks the fourth running of the São Paulo E-Prix, having debuted on the calendar back in Season 9. Since then we’ve witnessed some amazing racing at the Anhembi Sambadrome Circuit, with Mitch Evans having the most victories here – two.
TRACK MAP: What does the São Paulo E-Prix circuit look like?
It’s the perfect place to start the season, with Round 1 of Season 12 starting on Saturday 6 December 2025. With a busy silly season, new faces in the paddock and welcoming Citroën Racing to their first single-seater challenge, it’ll be an unmissable motorsport event.
Race Date
Winner
Team
Season 9
March 25, 2023
Mitch Evans
Jaguar TCS Racing
Season 10
March 16, 2024
Sam Bird
NEOM McLaren Formula E Team
Season 11
December 7, 2024
Mitch Evans
Jaguar TCS Racing
Jaguar domination at inaugural event
For only the second time in Formula E history, one single powertrain locked out all the podium positions here in São Paulo in Season 9. Jaguar TCS Racing had an amazing race day as Mitch Evans took the victory, followed by Nick Cassidy in second who was with customer team Envision Racing. Evans’ teammate Sam Bird secured third, with the trio just half a second apart to close out an enthralling inaugural São Paulo E-Prix.
EXPLAINED: What does a Formula E race weekend look like, and what’s the format?
Evans’ energy management and strategic driving paid off, as the Jaguar driver started third and fought through the pack before making his race-winning move on Lap 32 against his compatriot, Nick Cassidy. He successfully defended his lead despite intense pressure from Cassidy and Bird, who made the most of his extra energy.
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Bird’s brave last-lap move for victory
After some time away from the top step of the podium, Sam Bird bounced back to secure a stunning win in the heart of the Brazilian city. The Briton ended his 37 race winless streak to give NEOM McLaren their first Formula E victory.
Bird claimed his 12th career Formula E victory in an unforgettable conclusion to the São Paulo E-Prix, pulling off a bold final-lap overtake on his former Jaguar teammate, Mitch Evans, to seal the incredible win.
REWIND: 10 of the best moments from the São Paulo E-Prix
Despite receiving warnings from his McLaren team regarding his car’s rapidly rising temperature in the closing laps, he took a risk and made the move in the final moments. He was joined on the podium was Stephen Lane, his Race Engineer, and someone that has worked with him since the DS Virgin and Envision Racing days. He also became the second-oldest Formula E race winner at 37 years and 67 days – behind Lucas di Grassi – with the Brit claiming “there’s still life in the old dog yet, but I think I have used all my talent up there.
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Last-to-first win for Evans
After failing to set a lap time in qualifying due to technical issues, Jaguar’s Mitch Evans pulled off the seemingly impossible to win from last over a thrilling São Paulo E-Prix in Season 11.
HISTORY: Who are all the Formula E champions from Seasons 1 to 11?
Prior to this race, no Formula E driver had ever won from a starting position lower than 15th. However, with the help of a newly-revamped ATTACK MODE – which combined the standard 50kwh boost with four-wheel drive – the strategy rule book was thrown in the air and changed the landscape of the race.
Both Jaguars made their way through the pack, with Cassidy starting 10th. However, the Kiwi of Cassidy didn’t make the finish line, after a scary clash between him and the Porsche of Pascal Wehrlein which brought out the red flags. Long-time leader Oliver Rowland (Nissan) was also taken out of contention when he was slapped with a late drive-through penalty to end his strong performance.
Overall, the race had five leaders and 111 overtakes as Formula E debuted its GEN3 Evo machine. It was an unforgettable race, one of the championship’s best, and made Evans the first double winner at this super São Paulo street circuit.
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SCHEDULE: Where, when and how to watch or stream the 2025 Google Cloud São Paulo E-Prix
The São Paulo E-Prix Round 1 gets underway on Friday 5 December with Free Practice 1, ahead of race day on Saturday 6 December. Make sure you don’t miss a moment, as we get ready to kickstart Season 12 with one of the best races of the year.
WATCH: How to watch or stream ABB Formula E’s São Paulo E-Prix weekend where you are
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