Oliver Rowland produced a strong showing in Race 1 of the 2026 Berlin E-Prix, claiming a podium finish in a weekend full of twists and strategic challenges. After a mixed start to the 2026 Formula E season, Rowland showed resilience and adaptability, battling balance issues and constantly adjusting to the fast-paced dynamics of the Berlin track.
The British driver’s performance not only earned valuable championship points but also demonstrated his ability to combine speed with intelligent race strategy, making him a consistent contender despite fierce competition.
From Row 2 start to the podium: Rowland reflects on strong Race 1 performance at the 2026 Berlin E-Prix
Rowland began by assessing his Qualifying performance and its impact on the race. Starting near the front gave him a crucial opportunity, though he admitted to struggling with balance early on. He explained this during the post-race press conference.
“Yeah, it was good. I mean, you know, firstly Qualifying this morning was a decent step for me. This season’s been pretty average on my side of a one lap. So to start at the front, try and manage it as best we could was good. I struggled a little bit from the beginning just with a bit of balance issues. I was kind of fighting the whole race.”
Despite these early challenges, Rowland found the race both rewarding and dynamic. He praised the adaptability required to manage the front of the pack and highlighted how his experience helped him navigate the changing positions.
“But I think actually, as Nick [Cassidy] mentioned, it was one of the best races this season. I also felt the same for me. Like we managed really well at the front. I was constantly trying to having to adapt to stuff and there was lots of stuff going on with I think it was one of my strongest races as well. So that’s quite positive. Also for tomorrow, there’s areas to improve.”
He concluded his reflections on Race 1 with a broader look at the season, noting his consistency in securing podiums while acknowledging the need to continue scoring points across all races.
“But yeah, just happy. I think four out of seven podiums is not too bad to start the season. So we just need to start scoring points on the other days.”
Navigating strategy and team decisions
Rowland’s strong result was not just a product of speed; it also stemmed from careful strategic thinking. He explained the delicate balance between following team instructions and trusting his own judgement when timing pit boosts.
“I think, look, we do a lot of work on the simulator with the race strategy and we discuss many different scenarios. For me, I don’t think they quite understood that I fell into quite a good place with the slipstream and it was quite efficient for me to just sit there and wait to take the pit stop at the end. Also, if there was any, you know, Full Course Yellow or Safety Car, it would have also been beneficial.”
Rowland highlighted that understanding the nuances of energy management and track position allowed him to make decisions independently, while still collaborating closely with his team.
“I mean, they were trying to tell me to cover it, but I also knew if I came out third or fourth, I was quite happy at that point as well. So I think they were sort of thinking I had to lead out of the pit stop and I was just thinking,’ no, I also need to still save energy to be strong at the end of the race.’ So I hope they trust my judgement. But yeah, we work together and that’s something we discussed tonight and try to improve together.”
This delicate balance between team input and personal assessment, Rowland suggested, was key to extracting the most from a complex race strategy, particularly on a track as chaotic as Berlin.
Rowland on his expectations for Race 2 at the 2026 Berlin E-Prix
With the second race of the Berlin E-Prix weekend looming, Rowland already has his sights set on the unpredictability that Sunday will bring. He anticipates a frantic opening and strategic battles that could change the order rapidly.
“I think good. I think tomorrow’s race is going to be a little bit crazy to be honest with the first 10-15 laps. It’s going to be very, very interesting. I honestly think you could not go out in Qualifying and still win the race. So yeah, it’s definitely going to be an interesting one tomorrow.”
Rowland also emphasised the importance of building on one-lap performance and adapting to race conditions, indicating a careful but ambitious approach to Race 2.
“But yeah, let’s see what happens for me again. It’s about trying to build on the one lap performance and just get a bit more confidence back. “
Acknowledging fellow competitors
Even as he focuses on his own preparation, Rowland showed sportsmanship by recognising the achievements of his rivals. He highlighted Nico Müller’s strong performance in Race 1 and paid tribute to his capabilities, especially from their time together at Mahindra.
“But yeah, also to share what Nick said, congrats to Nico. I know when we were at Mahindra and ABT together, he was normally faster than me, so I know his level. And yeah, big congrats to him.”
A thrilling Sunday in Berlin awaits
Rowland’s reflections underline his focus, adaptability, and readiness to tackle the unpredictability of Race 2. With energy management, strategic pit timing, and wheel-to-wheel battles expected to dominate, the final race in Berlin promises another dramatic showdown, where Rowland will be determined to build on his podium success.
