Mitch Evans Reflects on Unanticipated Pole Position at Berlin E-Prix

Mitch Evans, driver for Jaguar TCS Racing, expressed his surprise after achieving the Julius Baer Pole Position at the 2025 Hankook Berlin E-Prix, held at the historic Tempelhof airport on July 12, 2025. The qualifying session was marked by challenging weather conditions, including rain, which led to a modification of the usual qualifying format.

Evans, who had previously struggled for points this season since his victory in São Paulo, noted, "Honestly, it’s really unexpected. I’ve had a really mixed bag of results and performance in wet weather this year, so I wasn’t really sure what to expect. But it seemed from the first few laps I had a good advantage.”

The qualifying session was delayed due to inclement weather, beginning at 12:00 local time. The rain affected the format by cancelling the Duels, a component of the qualifying rounds designed to pit drivers against each other for the best time. Despite these challenges, Evans managed to secure the best time across both qualifying groups, demonstrating adaptability and skill under pressure.

“I was able to keep improving as well, so you have to take it when you’ve got it underneath you,” he added. "We were able to just be in front of the Group B guys as well. So let’s see what the weather does for the rest of the day – it could get worse, it could get better, but hopefully, we get a race in.”

This pole position marked a significant moment for Evans, who has faced difficulties in converting performance into points throughout the season. The usual three points awarded for pole positions would not apply this time due to the rain-impacted session, a frustration noted by Evans as he continues to seek consistency in his racing results.

When asked about the factors contributing to his success in qualifying, Evans remarked, “I’ve got no idea. I feel like I’m driving the same every time I’m on track or in these conditions at every venue, but the wet can really throw it up against you. Today we’ll have quite a good advantage, so honestly, it’s just a bit of a gamble.”

Looking ahead to the race, Evans expressed hope that he could convert his pole position into a strong performance, stating, “I am just very happy. I’ve had a really rough run this year, so on my side of the garage, a really good boost and for the team in general. Hopefully, we can convert it into a result. That’s the next on the list for today.”

The Berlin E-Prix is a pivotal event in the Formula E calendar, and Evans’s performance may serve as a turning point in his season. The race is scheduled for later in the day, with free practice sessions and further qualifying rounds set to take place on July 13, 2025.

For fans and analysts alike, Evans’s unexpected pole position not only highlights his resilience but also adds an intriguing layer to the dynamics of the race, as weather conditions continue to play a critical role in the outcomes of Formula E races. As the series pursues its sustainability goals, the adaptability of drivers like Evans becomes increasingly essential in navigating the complexities of electric racing under evolving environmental conditions.