Edoardo Mortara put in a strong and calculated performance in Race 1 of the 2026 Berlin E-Prix, starting from pole and navigating a chaotic field to finish fourth and take the lead of the Formula E Drivers’ Championship. The Mahindra driver approached the race with patience and tactical awareness, carefully managing energy consumption and avoiding unnecessary risks while staying competitive at the front. His performance demonstrated not only his speed but also his ability to think strategically under pressure, a combination that could prove vital in the battle for the championship. He discussed this while speaking to the media, including Pit Debrief, after the race.
Mortara on balancing risk and reward in Race 1 of the 2026 Berlin E-Prix
When asked about his race and the transition from leading at the start to finishing fourth, Mortara highlighted the challenge of consistently scoring points in Formula E and how that contributes to long-term championship ambitions.
“It’s not easy to end up on the podium or win races in Formula E. Today, we managed to score important points. If you keep on scoring points, pretty much like in every race, that means that you will end up eventually, at the very end of the championship, fighting for the first position.”
Despite the shift from leading to finishing outside the podium, Mortara expressed satisfaction with his approach and the execution of his race plan.
“I’m actually pretty happy with how we executed everything today. Obviously, we tried to understand what we can do better, but overall, it’s been a very positive day.”
He emphasised that even in a race that did not go entirely as hoped, focusing on what could be controlled—strategy, energy management, and clean racing—produced a successful outcome.
A milestone for Mahindra as Mortara takes Championship lead
Mortara acknowledged the significance of his position atop the Drivers’ Championship, noting that it is the first time a Mahindra driver has held the lead since 2019. While the achievement is notable, he remained focused on the broader picture of the championship rather than the temporary advantage.
“Yeah, it’s not only seven races. It’s important to win the championship at the end. It doesn’t matter if you’re leading right now. What it’s telling is that basically we’ve done a pretty good job in those first seven races. That’s it.”
This measured approach underscores Mortara’s mindset: consistent points-scoring and strategic decision-making over multiple races are more valuable than focusing solely on individual race wins.
A strategic approach to Race 1
Mortara provided insight into the strategic considerations that shaped his fourth-place finish, including the careful balance between staying safe, conserving energy, and avoiding contact with other cars.
“Yeah, obviously, in terms of strategy, we were trying to stay safe and stay out of contact. That proved to be actually quite okay. Obviously, when you do that, you consume probably slightly more than the others. Slightly less efficient. But in the end, it proved to be actually quite an okay strategy to finish in fourth.”
Furthermore, The timing of the Pit Boost and the use of attack mode were decisive in shaping Mortara’s race. He credited his team with executing these elements efficiently, allowing him to briefly regain the lead during critical moments.
“It’s always important. Yeah. I think that we took the decision quite early. I think that it was quite an okay decision. After the Pit Boost, we were leading the race from there. I think that the team did execute a very good job.”
Mortara’s comments underlined the importance of collaboration between driver and team, with quick decision-making and precise execution proving crucial in a highly competitive and unpredictable race environment.
Mortara looking ahead to Race 2 in Berlin: Consistency and analysis key for continued Formula E success
While Race 1 did not yield a podium finish, Mortara is already looking ahead to the second race of the Berlin E-Prix weekend. He emphasised the importance of ongoing analysis and adjusting strategies rather than reacting impulsively.
“We keep on analysing stuff. So we’ll see now.”
His focus remains on consistent point-scoring and making tactical decisions that can protect and extend his championship lead. This measured approach reflects Mortara’s long-term perspective on success, prioritising championship consistency over immediate race glory.
With Race 2 looming, the focus will remain on smart decision-making, maximising points, and maintaining composure in Berlin’s fast-paced and unpredictable environment.
