Nick Cassidy has revealed Mitch Evans did most of the talking after the pair discussed their dramatic collision in the second 2023 Rome E-Prix, which has put a big dent to both drivers’ championship hopes.
On Lap 2 of the Formula E race on Sunday, Cassidy went to the outside of race leader Jake Dennis at Turn 7, only to get hit by compatriot Evans, who locked his rear brakes and went over the top of the Envision driver.
Both drivers continued but Evans was forced to pit and came back out for two laps, before retiring from the race. Meanwhile, Cassidy dropped to the back of the field and got himself back in the top 10, however, he dropped away towards the end of the race and finished 14th.
“He did most of the talking,” said Cassidy on the conversation the pair had. “He’s a great guy and driver. These things happen but it’s still heartbreaking.”
Asked exclusively by Total-Motorsport.com about the discussion, Evans added: “I went and apologised when he got out of the car. So, disappointed but we are really close friends. I don’t want to take any points from his championship.
“I think he accepted the apology. Whether he does or not, it won’t change the results. Over time it will get better but it’s not ideal.”
Evans: I ruined my and Cassidy’s races
Dennis‘ victory on Sunday and the no scores for the Kiwi drivers mean Cassidy is 24 points behind going into the double-header finale on July 29-30. Evans is 44 points adrift of the Andretti driver and admits the championship is realistically over from his side.
Cassidy was not keen to talk about the incident, while Evans, who narrowly missed out in the titles in 2021 and 2022, says he misjudged the speed from the two drivers ahead of him.
“It was all under control then the guys ahead slowed down more than I was expecting in that phase of the corner,” explained Evans to Total-Motorsport.com.
“So I had to get more on the brake and I locked the rears. Then I just rode the wheel and then I was over the top of him. It all happened very quick. I wasn’t trying to do anything silly but it caught me out and it ruined my and Nick’s race.
“I just felt bad because I knew I made contact with Nick and I don’t want to affect anyone’s championship. I’m there to win races but I just felt bad. I felt it was instantly my fault.”
