Edoardo Mortara has gathered significant momentum in his Formula E campaign following a second consecutive podium finish, achieved under the complex Berlin E-Prix conditions at the Tempelhof Airport Street Circuit. With a season that has seen mixed fortunes for both driver and team, the recent results mark a critical turning point and serve as validation for years of development effort.
Despite initial doubts after Qualifying, Mortara’s performance in the race exceeded expectations. His strong finish now places the team in a much stronger position in the Teams’ Championship and fuels optimism heading into the final races of the season.
Podium drought ends with back-to-back success
For Mortara, returning to the podium had been a long-standing objective—one he had been chasing for several races. The double-podium success represents a well-earned breakthrough.
“I have been chasing actually a podium for quite some time and actually it is, as you said, like two in a row, so it has been a very positive day for me, for the team.”
This sequence of results is particularly meaningful in a championship where margins are razor-thin and the smallest technical detail can separate the frontrunners from the midfield. Mortara acknowledged that his confidence coming out of Qualifying was far from high, making the result all the more satisfying.
“I would be honest, I did not have a great feeling after Qualifying and I was not expecting that in the race, but for whatever reason, the changes that we did between Qualifying and race were very positive and felt actually pretty competitive out there.”
Team progress reflected in Championship climb
The recent run of success has not only benefited Mortara on a personal level but has also lifted the team’s position in the Teams’ Championship. After a period of near misses and development, the team has now climbed to fourth in the standings—a significant boost considering the competitive landscape of the series.
“It is something extremely positive. Of course, the Championship is not over, but it shows also that all the work that we have done like for two years now is starting to pay off.”
Mortara’s comments reflect a deep awareness of the effort and time required to build a sustainable performance structure within Formula E. Unlike traditional racing series, Formula E presents unique engineering challenges, particularly around energy management, braking systems, and tight urban circuits.
The team’s recent performances are now beginning to align with their long-term aspirations, and Mortara sees the improvement as part of a broader positive trend.
“I believe that there is still quite a bit to come yet and it is actually quite positive.”
The cautious optimism he expresses is grounded in realism. While back-to-back podiums represent an important milestone, Mortara understands that consistency across a full season—and into future campaigns—remains the true goal.
“I am actually quite optimistic for the remaining races and also for the off-season and next season. There is still a lot to do. We still need to catch up, but at least we are having some quite strong results.”
Mortara impressed by rookie teammate Drugovich
Alongside his personal race result, Mortara also reflected on that of Felipe Drugovich, who made his Formula E race debut in Berlin. The Brazilian driver, standing in temporarily, faced a series of setbacks throughout the day, including a penalty and starting towards the rear of the grid.
“Well, first of all, you look at the race that he had today or the day that he had today, it was extremely difficult. He had a penalty, he was near to start from the back, to serve a drive-through or a penalty during the race. Then we have got quite a bit of experience in this Championship now.”
As Mortara pointed out, the step up to a full E-Prix weekend in the Gen3 Evo car is significant—even for drivers with Formula 1 experience. The demands of Formula E, particularly in terms of energy strategy and instant race adaptation, require not just talent but familiarity.
“It is quite difficult actually to come and be straight away very competitive. I think on one lap, he has been proving to be extremely, extremely fast.”
Drugovich’s pace in qualifying sessions and his ability to adapt under pressure did not go unnoticed. Mortara was quick to praise his teammate’s raw ability and professionalism, even as results on paper did not fully reflect his potential.
“I hope that tomorrow, the conditions are actually more normal so he can have a good day and show his skills. He is extremely talented, super quick, and actually a very nice guy. I hope all the best for him.”
Mortara’s mentorship and open support point to a collaborative culture within the team, one that places value on development as well as results. His remarks underline the importance of patience and encouragement when integrating new drivers into such a technically demanding environment.
Looking to the future with renewed belief
With a strong foundation now in place, Mortara has reason to be optimistic. The results in Berlin have shifted the dynamic, not only in the context of the 2024/25 season but also in terms of momentum heading into next year. Formula E’s highly competitive nature means fortunes can shift rapidly. However, the team’s current upward trend—backed by Mortara’s consistent performances—offers a reliable platform to build from. For Mortara, the belief that the team is now reaping the rewards of long-term commitment and strategic development is central to his confidence moving forward. Race 1 in Berlin has served as a powerful statement of intent: Mortara and his team are back in the fight. With three races remaining in the current campaign, there is still everything to play for.
