Rain disrupted practice, leading to only one practice session before a condensed qualifying of two groups instead of four (although each group was extended to 15 minutes in length).
There were also numerous penalties handed out throughout the weekend, including fines, time penalties and drive-through penalties. It led to a shaken-up order, a manic race with faster drivers fighting their way through the field after either starting further back than expected or taking an in-race penalty.
All of the above made it difficult to rate drivers but we have done our best to do so.
For this process, multiple members of the Just Electric team rated each driver out of 10 to give an average rating. Each caption of the slideshow below shows the highest rating given by a team member as well as the average rating.
Antonio Felix da Costa
Highest rating: 10
Average rating: 9.8
Da Costa’s race weekend was pretty much flawless. From qualifying in P1, to winning the race, it was one way to start the season in style for the Portuguese. After seasons of struggles, what he showed during testing and the race itself prove that his talent is intact; and now, with a new and reliable car, he is able to show his strengths.
The way he held reigning champion Vergne for many laps, as well as a mistake-free performance, make da Costa’s weekend an outstanding one that the BMW i Andretti Motorsport driver will surely remember.
Antonio Felix da Costa
Highest rating: 10
Average rating: 9.8
Da Costa’s race weekend was pretty much flawless. From qualifying in P1, to winning the race, it was one way to start the season in style for the Portuguese. After seasons of struggles, what he showed during testing and the race itself prove that his talent is intact; and now, with a new and reliable car, he is able to show his strengths.
The way he held reigning champion Vergne for many laps, as well as a mistake-free performance, make da Costa’s weekend an outstanding one that the BMW i Andretti Motorsport driver will surely remember.
Antonio Felix da Costa
Highest rating: 10
Average rating: 9.8
Da Costa’s race weekend was pretty much flawless. From qualifying in P1, to winning the race, it was one way to start the season in style for the Portuguese. After seasons of struggles, what he showed during testing and the race itself prove that his talent is intact; and now, with a new and reliable car, he is able to show his strengths.
The way he held reigning champion Vergne for many laps, as well as a mistake-free performance, make da Costa’s weekend an outstanding one that the BMW i Andretti Motorsport driver will surely remember.
Jean-Eric Vergne
Highest rating: 10
Average rating: 9.2
The reigning champion proved once again why he is one the series’ strongest drivers. Despite starting from P5 and having experienced drivers ahead of him, he was able to move several places, even leading the race until he had a drive-through penalty.
Winning the race would have made his weekend an overall perfect one, but in spite of not finishing in the top step of the podium, the Frenchman’s weekend was nothing short of exciting, and he looks like a title contender this season as well.
Jean-Eric Vergne
Highest rating: 10
Average rating: 9.2
The reigning champion proved once again why he is one the series’ strongest drivers. Despite starting from P5 and having experienced drivers ahead of him, he was able to move several places, even leading the race until he had a drive-through penalty.
Winning the race would have made his weekend an overall perfect one, but in spite of not finishing in the top step of the podium, the Frenchman’s weekend was nothing short of exciting, and he looks like a title contender this season as well.
Jean-Eric Vergne
Highest rating: 10
Average rating: 9.2
The reigning champion proved once again why he is one the series’ strongest drivers. Despite starting from P5 and having experienced drivers ahead of him, he was able to move several places, even leading the race until he had a drive-through penalty.
Winning the race would have made his weekend an overall perfect one, but in spite of not finishing in the top step of the podium, the Frenchman’s weekend was nothing short of exciting, and he looks like a title contender this season as well.
Jerome d'Ambrosio
Highest rating: 10
Average rating: 9.2
The Belgian was usually fighting at the front in the first two Formula E seasons. In the following two seasons, d’Ambrosio struggled to be in contention for wins; but at the Ad Diriyah E-Prix, he had a brilliant performance like in the old times.
Not only did he climb up to the front several times, but his defending was also outstanding, holding drivers like Buemi or Lotterer when they tried to overtake him.
Jerome d'Ambrosio
Highest rating: 10
Average rating: 9.2
The Belgian was usually fighting at the front in the first two Formula E seasons. In the following two seasons, d’Ambrosio struggled to be in contention for wins; but at the Ad Diriyah E-Prix, he had a brilliant performance like in the old times.
Not only did he climb up to the front several times, but his defending was also outstanding, holding drivers like Buemi or Lotterer when they tried to overtake him.
Jerome d'Ambrosio
Highest rating: 10
Average rating: 9.2
The Belgian was usually fighting at the front in the first two Formula E seasons. In the following two seasons, d’Ambrosio struggled to be in contention for wins; but at the Ad Diriyah E-Prix, he had a brilliant performance like in the old times.
Not only did he climb up to the front several times, but his defending was also outstanding, holding drivers like Buemi or Lotterer when they tried to overtake him.
Mitch Evans
Highest rating: 9
Average rating: 9
Ever since his Formula E debut, Mitch Evans has never ceased to impress. The race held in Saudi Arabia, was another example of his enormous talent. He saw himself benefited when drivers were penalised, and once he took all the advantages, he displayed a very strong performance that led him to finish in P4.
His performances seem to only keep improving, and we might be seeing Evans on the top step of the podium very soon if he continues to deliver very good results for Jaguar Racing.
Mitch Evans
Highest rating: 9
Average rating: 9
Ever since his Formula E debut, Mitch Evans has never ceased to impress. The race held in Saudi Arabia, was another example of his enormous talent. He saw himself benefited when drivers were penalised, and once he took all the advantages, he displayed a very strong performance that led him to finish in P4.
His performances seem to only keep improving, and we might be seeing Evans on the top step of the podium very soon if he continues to deliver very good results for Jaguar Racing.
Mitch Evans
Highest rating: 9
Average rating: 9
Ever since his Formula E debut, Mitch Evans has never ceased to impress. The race held in Saudi Arabia, was another example of his enormous talent. He saw himself benefited when drivers were penalised, and once he took all the advantages, he displayed a very strong performance that led him to finish in P4.
His performances seem to only keep improving, and we might be seeing Evans on the top step of the podium very soon if he continues to deliver very good results for Jaguar Racing.
Andre Lotterer
Highest rating: 9
Average rating: 8.2
It did not take a lot of time for Andre Lotterer to adapt to Formula E. In fact, the German was nominated for the Autosport’s ‘Rookie of the Year’ award, for his good results in Season 4. His versatility and talent were displayed once again in the streets of Ad Diriyah.
He ran at the front for an important part of the race, only to drop places as he got given a drive-through penalty. However, he was able to fight back and gain positions, finishing in P5 and playing an important role in Techeeath’s first place in the Teams’ Championship.
Andre Lotterer
Highest rating: 9
Average rating: 8.2
It did not take a lot of time for Andre Lotterer to adapt to Formula E. In fact, the German was nominated for the Autosport’s ‘Rookie of the Year’ award, for his good results in Season 4. His versatility and talent were displayed once again in the streets of Ad Diriyah.
He ran at the front for an important part of the race, only to drop places as he got given a drive-through penalty. However, he was able to fight back and gain positions, finishing in P5 and playing an important role in Techeeath’s first place in the Teams’ Championship.
Andre Lotterer
Highest rating: 9
Average rating: 8.2
It did not take a lot of time for Andre Lotterer to adapt to Formula E. In fact, the German was nominated for the Autosport’s ‘Rookie of the Year’ award, for his good results in Season 4. His versatility and talent were displayed once again in the streets of Ad Diriyah.
He ran at the front for an important part of the race, only to drop places as he got given a drive-through penalty. However, he was able to fight back and gain positions, finishing in P5 and playing an important role in Techeeath’s first place in the Teams’ Championship.
Sebastien Buemi
Highest rating: 8
Average rating: 7.2
Despite not having had the strongest season in his 2017-18 campaign, the Swiss is always a driver to keep an eye on. Buemi started the race from P3 after a good qualifying session, but he dropped some places once red lights were out.
He remained in the fight to climb up some places, but ultimately failed to do so, finishing the race in P6. Despite not having the strongest weekend in Formula E and being far from the Buemi we are used to seeing, the points he scored along with teammate Oliver Rowland have been key for Nissan’s good start to the season.
Sebastien Buemi
Highest rating: 8
Average rating: 7.2
Despite not having had the strongest season in his 2017-18 campaign, the Swiss is always a driver to keep an eye on. Buemi started the race from P3 after a good qualifying session, but he dropped some places once red lights were out.
He remained in the fight to climb up some places, but ultimately failed to do so, finishing the race in P6. Despite not having the strongest weekend in Formula E and being far from the Buemi we are used to seeing, the points he scored along with teammate Oliver Rowland have been key for Nissan’s good start to the season.
Sebastien Buemi
Highest rating: 8
Average rating: 7.2
Despite not having had the strongest season in his 2017-18 campaign, the Swiss is always a driver to keep an eye on. Buemi started the race from P3 after a good qualifying session, but he dropped some places once red lights were out.
He remained in the fight to climb up some places, but ultimately failed to do so, finishing the race in P6. Despite not having the strongest weekend in Formula E and being far from the Buemi we are used to seeing, the points he scored along with teammate Oliver Rowland have been key for Nissan’s good start to the season.
Oliver Rowland
Highest rating: 10
Average rating: 8.8
The Brit was making his second Formula E appearance in Ad Diriyah. After replacing Formula 1-bound Alex Albon, it was unclear what to expect from Rowland, given he had only completed one day of pre-season testing - in the wet.
Rowland had an impressive weekend, going from out of the Top 10, to P7, scoring his first ever Formula E points. Despite being advantageous when the driver ahead of him got penalised, it should be highlighted the defensive job he did, against drivers far more experienced than him.
Oliver Rowland
Highest rating: 10
Average rating: 8.8
The Brit was making his second Formula E appearance in Ad Diriyah. After replacing Formula 1-bound Alex Albon, it was unclear what to expect from Rowland, given he had only completed one day of pre-season testing - in the wet.
Rowland had an impressive weekend, going from out of the Top 10, to P7, scoring his first ever Formula E points. Despite being advantageous when the driver ahead of him got penalised, it should be highlighted the defensive job he did, against drivers far more experienced than him.
Oliver Rowland
Highest rating: 10
Average rating: 8.8
The Brit was making his second Formula E appearance in Ad Diriyah. After replacing Formula 1-bound Alex Albon, it was unclear what to expect from Rowland, given he had only completed one day of pre-season testing - in the wet.
Rowland had an impressive weekend, going from out of the Top 10, to P7, scoring his first ever Formula E points. Despite being advantageous when the driver ahead of him got penalised, it should be highlighted the defensive job he did, against drivers far more experienced than him.
Daniel Abt
Highest rating: 8
Average rating: 7.6
After a disappointing qualifying session, Abt was able to fight his way up to the point-scoring positions. Despite being on a season where everything is brand new, it is undeniable that his experience in the series plays an important role for him.
The Audis did not have the best weekend in Ad Diriyah, but the Abt-di Grassi partnership is one to always pay attention to, as both of them have had strong wins and have a vast experience in the fully-electric championship, having taken part in all races since September 2014.
Daniel Abt
Highest rating: 8
Average rating: 7.6
After a disappointing qualifying session, Abt was able to fight his way up to the point-scoring positions. Despite being on a season where everything is brand new, it is undeniable that his experience in the series plays an important role for him.
The Audis did not have the best weekend in Ad Diriyah, but the Abt-di Grassi partnership is one to always pay attention to, as both of them have had strong wins and have a vast experience in the fully-electric championship, having taken part in all races since September 2014.
Daniel Abt
Highest rating: 8
Average rating: 7.6
After a disappointing qualifying session, Abt was able to fight his way up to the point-scoring positions. Despite being on a season where everything is brand new, it is undeniable that his experience in the series plays an important role for him.
The Audis did not have the best weekend in Ad Diriyah, but the Abt-di Grassi partnership is one to always pay attention to, as both of them have had strong wins and have a vast experience in the fully-electric championship, having taken part in all races since September 2014.
Lucas di Grassi
Highest rating: 8
Average rating: 8
Something similar to Abt happened to di Grassi. The Brazilian did not have the best qualifying session, but was able to fight his way up to the point-scoring positions, and take home two points.
The Season 3 champion did not have an easy start to Season 4 neither, so if we have learnt something from the Brazilian is that the first race is too early to judge how he will perform throughout the season. He has many surprises up his sleeve, and could be a race contender should his car be reliable and he qualifies well.
Lucas di Grassi
Highest rating: 8
Average rating: 8
Something similar to Abt happened to di Grassi. The Brazilian did not have the best qualifying session, but was able to fight his way up to the point-scoring positions, and take home two points.
The Season 3 champion did not have an easy start to Season 4 neither, so if we have learnt something from the Brazilian is that the first race is too early to judge how he will perform throughout the season. He has many surprises up his sleeve, and could be a race contender should his car be reliable and he qualifies well.
Lucas di Grassi
Highest rating: 8
Average rating: 8
Something similar to Abt happened to di Grassi. The Brazilian did not have the best qualifying session, but was able to fight his way up to the point-scoring positions, and take home two points.
The Season 3 champion did not have an easy start to Season 4 neither, so if we have learnt something from the Brazilian is that the first race is too early to judge how he will perform throughout the season. He has many surprises up his sleeve, and could be a race contender should his car be reliable and he qualifies well.
Nelson Piquet
Highest rating: 8
Average rating: 7.8
The Brazilian did not have an easy qualifying session, but once red lights went out, he fought hard to enter the Top 10. Ultimately, he took home one point, but for those who have been closely following the fully-electric championship since the beginning, we know that does not satisfy Piquet Jr.
The Season 1 champion is always hungry for victories and success, and after three seasons of not finishing in the podium, he will fight even harder to be back at the front.
Nelson Piquet
Highest rating: 8
Average rating: 7.8
The Brazilian did not have an easy qualifying session, but once red lights went out, he fought hard to enter the Top 10. Ultimately, he took home one point, but for those who have been closely following the fully-electric championship since the beginning, we know that does not satisfy Piquet Jr.
The Season 1 champion is always hungry for victories and success, and after three seasons of not finishing in the podium, he will fight even harder to be back at the front.
Nelson Piquet
Highest rating: 8
Average rating: 7.8
The Brazilian did not have an easy qualifying session, but once red lights went out, he fought hard to enter the Top 10. Ultimately, he took home one point, but for those who have been closely following the fully-electric championship since the beginning, we know that does not satisfy Piquet Jr.
The Season 1 champion is always hungry for victories and success, and after three seasons of not finishing in the podium, he will fight even harder to be back at the front.
Sam Bird
Highest rating: 8
Average rating: 6.8
Bird had anticipated that the start of the season would be tough for the team. A couple of penalties cost both Envision Virgin Racing cars to drop to the bottom of the starting grid, but he and teammate Robin Frijns fought to be within the Top 10.
However, Bird’s efforts were not enough, and he finished just one place outside the point-scoring positions, to his own disappointment. But as we know, the Brit does not give up so easily, and it shouldn’t surprise us to see him fighting back in the next couple of races.
Sam Bird
Highest rating: 8
Average rating: 6.8
Bird had anticipated that the start of the season would be tough for the team. A couple of penalties cost both Envision Virgin Racing cars to drop to the bottom of the starting grid, but he and teammate Robin Frijns fought to be within the Top 10.
However, Bird’s efforts were not enough, and he finished just one place outside the point-scoring positions, to his own disappointment. But as we know, the Brit does not give up so easily, and it shouldn’t surprise us to see him fighting back in the next couple of races.
Sam Bird
Highest rating: 8
Average rating: 6.8
Bird had anticipated that the start of the season would be tough for the team. A couple of penalties cost both Envision Virgin Racing cars to drop to the bottom of the starting grid, but he and teammate Robin Frijns fought to be within the Top 10.
However, Bird’s efforts were not enough, and he finished just one place outside the point-scoring positions, to his own disappointment. But as we know, the Brit does not give up so easily, and it shouldn’t surprise us to see him fighting back in the next couple of races.
Robin Frijns
Highest rating: 8
Average rating: 7.2
Frijns had a similar race to Envision Virgin Racing team-mate Bird. Having started at the back of the grid, the Dutchman - making his return to Formula E after a season out - finished one place behind Bird. It was a tough return for Frijns but the progress through the field from a bad starting position will provide confidence as the season progresses for the Audi customer team.
Robin Frijns
Highest rating: 8
Average rating: 7.2
Frijns had a similar race to Envision Virgin Racing team-mate Bird. Having started at the back of the grid, the Dutchman - making his return to Formula E after a season out - finished one place behind Bird. It was a tough return for Frijns but the progress through the field from a bad starting position will provide confidence as the season progresses for the Audi customer team.
Robin Frijns
Highest rating: 8
Average rating: 7.2
Frijns had a similar race to Envision Virgin Racing team-mate Bird. Having started at the back of the grid, the Dutchman - making his return to Formula E after a season out - finished one place behind Bird. It was a tough return for Frijns but the progress through the field from a bad starting position will provide confidence as the season progresses for the Audi customer team.
Oliver Turvey
Highest rating: 6
Average rating: 6
If the two Virgin Racing drivers had a tough start to Season 5, then it's fair to say so did the two NIO drivers. Thrown out of qualifying for a mishap with the extended group sessions, Turvey (and team-mate Dillmann) completed too many timed laps compared to what is allowed by the regulations. Starting at the back of the grid meant it was a tough day but Turvey recovered to finish in 13th place.
Oliver Turvey
Highest rating: 6
Average rating: 6
If the two Virgin Racing drivers had a tough start to Season 5, then it's fair to say so did the two NIO drivers. Thrown out of qualifying for a mishap with the extended group sessions, Turvey (and team-mate Dillmann) completed too many timed laps compared to what is allowed by the regulations. Starting at the back of the grid meant it was a tough day but Turvey recovered to finish in 13th place.
Oliver Turvey
Highest rating: 6
Average rating: 6
If the two Virgin Racing drivers had a tough start to Season 5, then it's fair to say so did the two NIO drivers. Thrown out of qualifying for a mishap with the extended group sessions, Turvey (and team-mate Dillmann) completed too many timed laps compared to what is allowed by the regulations. Starting at the back of the grid meant it was a tough day but Turvey recovered to finish in 13th place.
Tom Dillmann
Highest rating: 6
Average rating: 6
Dillmann's race went exactly the same as Turvey's did. The Frenchman, who, for the first time in Formula E, has a full-time contract, was booted out of qualifying and had to start 22nd and last on the grid. His fight back to 14th meant he gained the same number of positions as Turvey, albeit finishing one place behind. It was, like Frijns, a testing return for Dillmann.
Tom Dillmann
Highest rating: 6
Average rating: 6
Dillmann's race went exactly the same as Turvey's did. The Frenchman, who, for the first time in Formula E, has a full-time contract, was booted out of qualifying and had to start 22nd and last on the grid. His fight back to 14th meant he gained the same number of positions as Turvey, albeit finishing one place behind. It was, like Frijns, a testing return for Dillmann.
Tom Dillmann
Highest rating: 6
Average rating: 6
Dillmann's race went exactly the same as Turvey's did. The Frenchman, who, for the first time in Formula E, has a full-time contract, was booted out of qualifying and had to start 22nd and last on the grid. His fight back to 14th meant he gained the same number of positions as Turvey, albeit finishing one place behind. It was, like Frijns, a testing return for Dillmann.
Maximilian Guenther
Highest rating: 7
Average rating: 6
Guenther has been around the Formula E paddock for a while, having been Dragon Racing's test and reserve driver throughout Season 4. For Season 5, he made the step up alongside Lopez to replacing the departing d'Ambrosio. He started in 16th place and finished in 15th, making a solid if not spectacular debut in the series. The pace of Lopez during the race will be a boost for Guenther going forward.
Maximilian Guenther
Highest rating: 7
Average rating: 6
Guenther has been around the Formula E paddock for a while, having been Dragon Racing's test and reserve driver throughout Season 4. For Season 5, he made the step up alongside Lopez to replacing the departing d'Ambrosio. He started in 16th place and finished in 15th, making a solid if not spectacular debut in the series. The pace of Lopez during the race will be a boost for Guenther going forward.
Maximilian Guenther
Highest rating: 7
Average rating: 6
Guenther has been around the Formula E paddock for a while, having been Dragon Racing's test and reserve driver throughout Season 4. For Season 5, he made the step up alongside Lopez to replacing the departing d'Ambrosio. He started in 16th place and finished in 15th, making a solid if not spectacular debut in the series. The pace of Lopez during the race will be a boost for Guenther going forward.
Stoffel Vandoorne
Highest rating: 7
Average rating: 7
Vandoorne did not look like he'd just been outqualified by his Formula 1 team-mate 21 times out of 21 in 2018 when he qualified for the Ad Diriyah E-Prix. He put his HWA Racelab fourth on the grid (after qualifying fifth but benefiting from Dillmann's penalty). He was able to hold his own for the first portion of the race in the top half of the field but, with pace missing in the race, fell back to finish 16th.
Stoffel Vandoorne
Highest rating: 7
Average rating: 7
Vandoorne did not look like he'd just been outqualified by his Formula 1 team-mate 21 times out of 21 in 2018 when he qualified for the Ad Diriyah E-Prix. He put his HWA Racelab fourth on the grid (after qualifying fifth but benefiting from Dillmann's penalty). He was able to hold his own for the first portion of the race in the top half of the field but, with pace missing in the race, fell back to finish 16th.
Stoffel Vandoorne
Highest rating: 7
Average rating: 7
Vandoorne did not look like he'd just been outqualified by his Formula 1 team-mate 21 times out of 21 in 2018 when he qualified for the Ad Diriyah E-Prix. He put his HWA Racelab fourth on the grid (after qualifying fifth but benefiting from Dillmann's penalty). He was able to hold his own for the first portion of the race in the top half of the field but, with pace missing in the race, fell back to finish 16th.
Felipe Massa
Highest rating: 7
Average rating: 6.8
Massa's Formula E debut was certainly an interesting one. He started in 12th place, fought his way up into the top 10 - overtaking two cars in one corner in the early stages of the race - before picking up three penalties. He received a drive-through penalty for a technical infringement (one of many drivers to do so) before two FanBoost penalties: one for using it too early (five second penalty) and one for using too much energy (drive-through convered to a time penalty). He eventually finished 17th.
Felipe Massa
Highest rating: 7
Average rating: 6.8
Massa's Formula E debut was certainly an interesting one. He started in 12th place, fought his way up into the top 10 - overtaking two cars in one corner in the early stages of the race - before picking up three penalties. He received a drive-through penalty for a technical infringement (one of many drivers to do so) before two FanBoost penalties: one for using it too early (five second penalty) and one for using too much energy (drive-through convered to a time penalty). He eventually finished 17th.
Felipe Massa
Highest rating: 7
Average rating: 6.8
Massa's Formula E debut was certainly an interesting one. He started in 12th place, fought his way up into the top 10 - overtaking two cars in one corner in the early stages of the race - before picking up three penalties. He received a drive-through penalty for a technical infringement (one of many drivers to do so) before two FanBoost penalties: one for using it too early (five second penalty) and one for using too much energy (drive-through convered to a time penalty). He eventually finished 17th.
Alexander Sims
Highest rating: 7
Average rating: 6.4
Sims had set the pace in pre-season testing for BMW i Andretti Motorsport but it was team-mate da Costa who took the first victory of the new Andretti/BMW era. He qualified in 10th place but received two penalties - a drive-through and a stop-go - for technical infringements which meant he finished in 18th place and second-last of those who finished. The positive for Sims? He's in a race-winning team.
Alexander Sims
Highest rating: 7
Average rating: 6.4
Sims had set the pace in pre-season testing for BMW i Andretti Motorsport but it was team-mate da Costa who took the first victory of the new Andretti/BMW era. He qualified in 10th place but received two penalties - a drive-through and a stop-go - for technical infringements which meant he finished in 18th place and second-last of those who finished. The positive for Sims? He's in a race-winning team.
Alexander Sims
Highest rating: 7
Average rating: 6.4
Sims had set the pace in pre-season testing for BMW i Andretti Motorsport but it was team-mate da Costa who took the first victory of the new Andretti/BMW era. He qualified in 10th place but received two penalties - a drive-through and a stop-go - for technical infringements which meant he finished in 18th place and second-last of those who finished. The positive for Sims? He's in a race-winning team.
Edoardo Mortara
Highest rating: 5
Average rating: 4.2
Mortara's season-opener for Venturi was a bit of a rollercoaster. He qualified in 10th, took a three-place grid penalty for the same technical infringement occurring twice, had a brake issue in qualifying and the race which put him out of contention on the opening lap. He got out of the wall and return to the track but a lap down, his race over before it really began.
Edoardo Mortara
Highest rating: 5
Average rating: 4.2
Mortara's season-opener for Venturi was a bit of a rollercoaster. He qualified in 10th, took a three-place grid penalty for the same technical infringement occurring twice, had a brake issue in qualifying and the race which put him out of contention on the opening lap. He got out of the wall and return to the track but a lap down, his race over before it really began.
Edoardo Mortara
Highest rating: 5
Average rating: 4.2
Mortara's season-opener for Venturi was a bit of a rollercoaster. He qualified in 10th, took a three-place grid penalty for the same technical infringement occurring twice, had a brake issue in qualifying and the race which put him out of contention on the opening lap. He got out of the wall and return to the track but a lap down, his race over before it really began.
Jose Maria Lopez
Highest rating: 8
Average rating: 7.2
Lopez had a mechanical failure late on in the race that bunched up the field and created the thrilling finale. But until that point, Lopez was able to fight at the front for Dragon and pulled off his usual style of defence - firm but fair. The lowlight for Lopez was missing the activation zone for Attack Mode. Twice. In consecutive laps. It meant he took the time penalty twice without the extra power to gain it back.
Jose Maria Lopez
Highest rating: 8
Average rating: 7.2
Lopez had a mechanical failure late on in the race that bunched up the field and created the thrilling finale. But until that point, Lopez was able to fight at the front for Dragon and pulled off his usual style of defence - firm but fair. The lowlight for Lopez was missing the activation zone for Attack Mode. Twice. In consecutive laps. It meant he took the time penalty twice without the extra power to gain it back.
Jose Maria Lopez
Highest rating: 8
Average rating: 7.2
Lopez had a mechanical failure late on in the race that bunched up the field and created the thrilling finale. But until that point, Lopez was able to fight at the front for Dragon and pulled off his usual style of defence - firm but fair. The lowlight for Lopez was missing the activation zone for Attack Mode. Twice. In consecutive laps. It meant he took the time penalty twice without the extra power to gain it back.
Gary Paffett
Highest rating: 6
Average rating: 5.4
Paffett was out-qualified by Vandoorne by five places but a mistake where he came off the racing line and hit the wall between Turns 8 and 9 meant Paffett retired after just nine laps. Qualifying had looked promising for the Venturi customer team but both cars fell back in the race. Paffett was the second driver to retire from the race.
Gary Paffett
Highest rating: 6
Average rating: 5.4
Paffett was out-qualified by Vandoorne by five places but a mistake where he came off the racing line and hit the wall between Turns 8 and 9 meant Paffett retired after just nine laps. Qualifying had looked promising for the Venturi customer team but both cars fell back in the race. Paffett was the second driver to retire from the race.
Gary Paffett
Highest rating: 6
Average rating: 5.4
Paffett was out-qualified by Vandoorne by five places but a mistake where he came off the racing line and hit the wall between Turns 8 and 9 meant Paffett retired after just nine laps. Qualifying had looked promising for the Venturi customer team but both cars fell back in the race. Paffett was the second driver to retire from the race.
Felix Rosenqvist
Highest rating: 5
Average rating: 4.2
Fan favourite Rosenqvist made a one-off return to Mahindra Racing for Formula E as full-time driver Pascal Wehrlein is still in a Mercedes contract. It was a disappointing return for the Swede, where a crash caused by a technical issue in qualifying meant he started back in 17th place. He then had the same issue in the race, forcing him to retire after eight laps.
Felix Rosenqvist
Highest rating: 5
Average rating: 4.2
Fan favourite Rosenqvist made a one-off return to Mahindra Racing for Formula E as full-time driver Pascal Wehrlein is still in a Mercedes contract. It was a disappointing return for the Swede, where a crash caused by a technical issue in qualifying meant he started back in 17th place. He then had the same issue in the race, forcing him to retire after eight laps.
Felix Rosenqvist
Highest rating: 5
Average rating: 4.2
Fan favourite Rosenqvist made a one-off return to Mahindra Racing for Formula E as full-time driver Pascal Wehrlein is still in a Mercedes contract. It was a disappointing return for the Swede, where a crash caused by a technical issue in qualifying meant he started back in 17th place. He then had the same issue in the race, forcing him to retire after eight laps.
Our readers had their say on Twitter as to who their driver of the day was. You can view the results below.
Who was your driver of the race? Choose him on the poll below, and if he’s not featured in there, ads him in the comments! #AdDiriyahEPrix #ABBFormulaE
— Just Electric (@JustElectric_) 15 December 2018