De Vries “lost for words” after securing maiden Formula E title in Berlin
Mercedes’ Nyck de Vries said he was “lost for words” after winning the 2020/21 Formula E title in a dramatic season finale at the Berlin E-Prix.
De Vries took the championship after finishing eighth in Berlin.
The title was effectively sealed after a bizarre series of events in the opening laps.
Mitch Evans was best placed to take the title after qualifying third but he stalled his Jaguar on the grid.
Edoardo Mortara - who was second in the championship going into the finale - crashed into Evans’ stalled car, ending both of their races immediately.
Jake Dennis was still in contention but lost control of his BMW into Turn 1 after the Safety Car restart.
De Vries’ points finish combined with Stoffel Vandoorne’s podium handed Mercedes the teams’ title.
Reflecting on Berlin, de Vries said: “I'm lost for words. I mean, it's been such a tough season with highs and lows, and in the end, it came down to the last race, and I am just so pleased that it was enough for me to win the title. I'm starting to get a little emotional now.
“I think we had a lot of fortune on our side today considering everything that happened in the race. I'm glad everyone is okay after the incident at the start. We drove an incredible race, had very good pace and I'm very happy for the team that we not only won the drivers' world championship but also the teams' title.
“The team has worked insanely hard this season, and this is the reward we deserve. Towards the end, I felt like I had a target on my back. I was being attacked from left, right, front and rear, so when I knew it would be enough for the championship, I brought it home. What a race.”
Toto Wolff, head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, added: “What an end to this season. The highs, lows, ups and downs have been a given this season, and the final race of the season wasn't an exception. What we saw today was a reflection of how the season has been unfolding; not straightforward, always unexpected, but with hard work always rewarded in the end.
“Today's championship win marks the first all-electric world championship win for Mercedes-Benz, and with that history was written. Congratulations to the team, all the men and women in the UK and Germany who've made this possible. This is their win.”
