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How the first ever Formula E race in Beijing was more talked about for an infamous collision – watch yourself to believe it
How the first ever Formula E race in Beijing was more talked about for an infamous collision – watch yourself to believe it

Time of India

time29-05-2025

  • Automotive
  • Time of India

How the first ever Formula E race in Beijing was more talked about for an infamous collision – watch yourself to believe it

Image credit: Formula E The Beijing E-Prix, held in 2014, was the first-ever Formula E race. It didn't just grab attention for being a high-speed electric car event styled like Formula 1 — it became widely talked about due to a mind-numbing collision between Venturi's Nick Heidfeld and Renault's Nicolas Prost. Both drivers were chasing the historic opportunity to become the first winner in a fully-electric single-seater race but ended up smashing into each other. Here's everything about what led to that infamous crash — and what saved Heidfeld as his car somersaulted before crashing head-first into the ground. Also, see what the driver had to say after the incident. Watch the infamous collision of the first ever Formula E race in Beijing The crash happened at the final corner on the last lap. As Nick Heidfeld made a move to take the lead, Nicholas Prost steered across the track to defend. When their cars made contact, Heidfeld's front-right suspension broke, sending his car out of control. He wasn't able to slow down and hit a kerb, went airborne, and slammed into the barrier. Miraculously, Heidfeld walked away unharmed and immediately went over to Prost to talk about the incident. P rost was given a 10-place grid penalty for the following race, while Lucas Di Grassi went on to win the Beijing E-Prix. A day before the Shanghai E-Prix, Formula E shared the video of the infamous crash on Instagram, captioned: 'Drama from the very start! Our first-ever race in 2014 ended with a huge incident in Beijing!' Formula E fans were shocked watching the replay. 'What on earth was that move!!!!' asked one fan. Another commented, 'Did he get charged with attempted murder? Awful move.' One more added, 'It was Epic start of the sport. I was shocked watching this live. And it was before the Halo.' Several also pointed out the lack of a halo — a safety device introduced years later: 'Wtf, they should have halos on those things that coulda been deadly,' read one comment. What Nick Heidfeld said after the crash Nick Heidfeld, however, chose to focus on the positives, though he admitted he was lucky to be unharmed. Speaking to Formula E's YouTube channel after the crash, he said: 'I think more about the chance I had here last year, how good the car worked, and that I could have won, rather than about the crash. Of course you see it all the time everywhere and people speak about it and for me it was quite easy to cope with because I was simply lucky that nothing happened. ' He added: 'It's maybe not the perfect reason to have people tuning in but it was still fantastic to get a lot of attention for the championship and I think after that a lot of people kept watching it because it's not only the crash but as the following races did show they were all exciting races you never know who's gonna win and it was good in the end for the championship.' Also Read: Countdown to Shanghai E-Prix begins as special trophies and soundtrack unveiled for Formula E double header What saved Nick Heidfeld The roll hoop in Heidfeld's Venturi car protected his head when the vehicle landed upside down. This component had been tested to withstand a nine-tonne vertical force before the electric cars hit the track. Later, the halo was mandated by the FIA to further improve driver safety. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.

Former Shanghai E-Prix podium finishers Antonio Felix da Costa, Sebastien Buemi and Jake Hughes share excitement ahead of double header
Former Shanghai E-Prix podium finishers Antonio Felix da Costa, Sebastien Buemi and Jake Hughes share excitement ahead of double header

Time of India

time28-05-2025

  • Automotive
  • Time of India

Former Shanghai E-Prix podium finishers Antonio Felix da Costa, Sebastien Buemi and Jake Hughes share excitement ahead of double header

Image credit: Instagram From the very first Formula E race held in Beijing to eight more races across four different locations in China, there have been a total of eight winners. Among them is Sebastien Buemi, who has claimed victory twice on Chinese soil. Now, the drivers have arrived in Shanghai for the upcoming double-header and have taken to social media to share their excitement for the Shanghai E-Prix. Formula E winners who went on to claim victory in China Sebastien Buemi remains the only driver with two wins in China—first at the Beijing E-Prix in Season 2 and then at the Hong Kong E-Prix in Season 3. In a joint post with Buemi, Envision Racing shared a special promo video with the caption: 'Shanghai Shakeup.' The video features snapshots of Buemi and the team, set to Kendrick Lamar's Not Like Us. TAG Heuer Porsche's António Félix da Costa, who won one of the two races of the Shanghai double-header last year, is feeling confident. Sharing a photo of his winning celebration on Instagram, Da Costa wrote in Portuguese (translated to English): 'RACE WEEK. Last year we went to Shanghai to get a cup! Let's try to get two this year. See you soon.' Fans were quick to cheer him on. One commented, 'Let's go with everything my dear friend. China will be very nice to you! You are the best champ!' Another added, 'Let's get it.' Jake Hughes, who finished second in Race 2 of the Shanghai E-Prix last year, also shared his enthusiasm. In a joint post with Hughes, the Instagram handle of Maserati MSG Racing posted: 'Double the days. Double the drama. We're racing into rounds 10 & 11 at the iconic Shanghai International Circuit for a double-header this weekend. With a podium in Tokyo behind us and an exciting track this weekend, we are ready to make Shanghai unforgettable!' Also Read: Countdown to Shanghai E-Prix begins as special trophies and soundtrack unveiled for Formula E double header Lucas di Grassi, the winner of the inaugural Beijing E-Prix, is also feeling optimistic about the upcoming race. He confirmed his presence in the city by sharing a glimpse of the Shanghai skyline on his Instagram Stories. As Formula E returns to Shanghai, will a new victor emerge in China? Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.

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