Nick Cassidy feels like he got kicked in the nuts after his title chances came to an abrupt end when he made contact with Envision teammate Sebastien Buemi at the London E-Prix.
Cassidy, who came into the race 24 points behind eventual champion Jake Dennis in the Formula E standings, led the early stages of the race but dropped back to third, which was unseen by the cameras, presumably to save energy by slipstreaming other cars.
On Lap 15, he tried to overtake Buemi but the Swiss driver appeared to cut in front of his teammate and damaged Cassidy‘s front wing. Cassidy made it back to the pit lane but was forced to retire due to suspension damage.
“I did my two attacks and I let Seb past, trying to be nice to the team, trying to help the team out and trying to help his race,” explained Cassidy to Total-Motorsport.com and other select members of the press.
“I offered to give up the lead even though my race was won. I lifted off and let him past to support him.
“We are also fighting for the teams’ championship and I like to think I’m a good team player. Maybe I’m too good a team player.
“It’s a big deal to win the teams’ championship and I thought I could still win the race and support his race. I was just trying to help him.
“My team has been great at supporting us both. I’m not here to give negative comments about the team or situation. We got kicked in the nuts in Rome and here today.
“Rome was not intentional on anyone’s part. Today was maybe….I just needed to put my head down and win.”
Buemi didn’t expect Cassidy to attack at Turn 3
In qualifying, Buemi played the team game by easing up in the semi-finals to ensure Cassidy reached the final as the pair went head-to-head in the duels.
It was widely expected he would play the team game again in the race and he says the team need to review what happened after he was not told about letting Cassidy through.
“At that point [on the run to Turn 1] I didn’t know whether he was trying to defend from someone else and that I was lifting too much or if he was genuinely trying to attack me,” said Buemi.
“I saw him in Turns 1 and 2 but did not expect him to be there at Turn 3. I didn’t feel any contact but I saw in the mirror. We will come back stronger on Sunday and will make sure we win the teams’ championship.”
