Stoffel Vandoorne claims masterful Tokyo E-Prix win as Maserati triumph in wet Round 8

Maserati MSG’s Stoffel Vandoorne pulled off a stunning strategic victory in treacherous conditions during Formula E Round 8 of the 2025 Tokyo E-Prix. 

The Belgian driver secured his first win since Monaco 2022, leading a disrupted race that saw weather, red flags and strategy all play decisive roles.

The 2022 Formula E champion capitalised on Maserati’s aggressive approach, executing his Pit Boost stop early in hopes of capitalising on a potential race stoppage. 

That call proved decisive when a red flag on Lap 13 halted the race due to Maximilian Guenther’s stranded car, effectively resetting the field and neutralising any time lost during Vandoorne’s stop.

“It was a very bold and aggressive strategy decision to burn a lot of energy at the beginning,” Vandoorne explained after the Round 8 Tokyo E-Prix. “We got a bit lucky with the red flag. After the restart, it was very difficult to bring the car home.”

McLaren rookie Taylor Barnard stars again with podium

Behind Vandoorne in Tokyo, Oliver Rowland continued his remarkable 2025 season with a second-place finish on home soil for Nissan, extending his Drivers’ Championship lead to 60 points. 

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Rowland had led comfortably in the opening phase, but was caught out by the red flag that handed the strategic advantage to Maserati.

“We did everything we could… this is part of the game,” Rowland said. “Honestly from my side I felt like I got the most out of the car.”

Taylor Barnard produced another headline-worthy drive, navigating the slick streets of Tokyo to claim his fourth podium of his rookie campaign for McLaren. 

The 20-year-old executed a spectacular move at Turn 16 to secure third place, saying: “To get another podium was incredible. I can’t thank the team enough.”

Strategy and chaos in wet Tokyo conditions

The race began behind the Safety Car after heavy morning rainfall left the track soaked. Drivers tiptoed through the early laps before a standing start launched the pack into full combat.

Sebastien Buemi used Attack Mode early to carve through the field, momentarily challenging Rowland before dropping to fourth by the chequered flag.

The defining moment came on Lap 13 when Guenther’s DS Penske stopped on track, prompting a red flag and reshuffling the race. Upon the restart, Vandoorne inherited the effective lead after many front-runners still needed to serve their Pit Boost.

From there, he kept his Maserati on track through increasing pressure and slippery conditions to seal the win by over eight seconds.

With Rowland’s advantage growing, Nissan now tops both the Teams’ and Manufacturers’ standings heading into Sunday’s Round 9 – a second chance for rivals to respond in Tokyo.

Tokyo E-Prix Round 8 Race Results

Find out the full race results for the Round 8 Tokyo E-Prix below.