Formula E’s crucial double-header in Portland

Portland International Raceway, Portland, Oregon, June 29-30

It’s been 10 years since the launch of Formula 1’s climate-conscious cousin, which is back in Portland, Oregon after hosting its first Formula E race last year. Over the 28 laps, 2023 winner Nick Cassidy will be defending his Portland prowess, but Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein will be in pursuit as he continues to chase his first championship title.

Cassidy, who now drives for Jaguar TCS, sensationally snatched first place in ’23 in his Envision Jag after starting in 10th. But it was Andretti’s Jake Dennis who ultimately took the world championship title, finishing the season with 229 points to Cassidy’s 199, as the two fought to the finish in a dramatic double-header finale.

ABT Cupra’s Nico Müller endured a crash through Turn 9 last time out in Portland that he described as “pretty terrifying”, and will be hoping for a more successful outing in ’24. The incident, which recorded 27g on the telemetry, left Müller without steering and braking capabilities. He collided with the barriers, bounced back across the track and triggered a lengthy safety car period. The Swiss driver’s team-mate Robin Frijns ended up finishing 10th, leading Müller to believe he could have scored points had he stayed on track. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

New to the Formula E scene is Maserati’s Jehan Daruvala, who will be searching for a stroke of luck after largely unsuccessful campaigns in Formula 2 and Formula 3. The Mumbai-born driver has spent two years in the wings as Mahindra’s test and reserve driver, and will be aiming to impress round the 12-turn circuit in the hopes of retaining his seat next season.

Look out for Nyck de Vries who is now driving for Mahindra Racing, having departed the outgoing Mercedes-EQ at the end of 2022. A failed Formula 1 stint, playing second fiddle to Yuki Tsunoda at AlphaTauri, has left the 2021 Formula E world champion admitting he has “a bit of catching up to do”.

His ex-team-mate Stoffel Vandoorne has moved over to DS Penske and came 12th out in Oregon last year.

PORSCHE SUPERCUP – SPIELBERG

Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Austria, June 28-30
The Supercup will once again guest alongside the Formula 1 grand prix at the Red Bull Ring, with the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars taking to the track for round three of the eight-race series.

FORMULA 1 – SPANISH GRAND PRIX

Barcelona-Catalunya, Montmeló, Spain, June 21-23
Formula 1 arrives at the 66-lap Catalunya. Home heroes, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, will be cheered on by more than 110,000 spectators. Last year’s matador Max Verstappen will be looking to guide his Red Bull for a repeat of ’23 – pole, fastest lap and a win.

RED BULL SOAPBOX RACE

Alexandra Palace, London, June 22
Quite literally taking the motor out of motor sport. Expect the usual amateur antics as rudimentary racers hurtle through the downhill course with just good old gravity as their power unit.

MOTOGP – KAZAKHSTAN GRAND PRIX

Sokol International Racetrack, Almaty, Kazakhstan, June 14-16
The Kazakhstan GP at the new Sokol circuit marks the country’s debut on the international motor sport scene. Sokol was scheduled for introduction as a MotoGP round last year, but the track wasn’t ready in time. Concerns over a lack of infrastructure continue to rumble, but, for now, the race is on.

GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED

Chichester, West Sussex, July 11-14
The famous four-day festival of speed is a very British celebration. Guests can meet their racing heroes, walk within inches of F1 machinery, and experience the future of motoring technology – all washed down with grand views of the historic slope up Goodwood Hill (and perhaps a few glasses of Pimm’s).

More events

Jun 21-23 F1 Academy – Catalunya, Spain
Jun 22-23 BTCC – Oulton Park, Cheshire
Jul 5-7 IndyCar – Mid-Ohio Indy 200