Günther 6th, Barnard Scores Point in Diriyah Formula E Race
DS Penske Shows Promise in Formula E Despite Mixed Results
The DS Penske team is demonstrating increasing competitiveness in the 2026 Formula E season, with Maximilian Günther and Taylor Barnard consistently showing strong pace. Recent races, including the challenging event on the Red Sea coast, highlight both the team’s potential and areas for improvement.
Günther’s Qualifying Prowess and Strategic Race
Maximilian Günther continues to be a strong performer for DS Penske, showcasing his qualifying skills. He secured sixth place on the grid after a competitive qualifying session, defeating the reigning world champion, Oliver Rowland. Günther adopted a conservative strategy during the race, prioritizing energy management in the absence of Pitboost and the reduced race distance. This approach allowed him to remain competitive, ultimately finishing just outside the points in 11th place.
Barnard’s Impressive Comeback Drive
Taylor Barnard, the youngest driver in Formula E history, demonstrated a remarkable recovery drive in the race. Starting from 17th on the grid, Barnard strategically utilized Attack Mode and maximized his performance in the final laps, climbing to 10th place and securing a valuable championship point for DS Penske. This performance builds on his positive start to life at DS Penske, following a breakout 2025 season.
The Importance of Energy Management in a Pitboost-Free Race
The race presented a unique challenge with the removal of Pitboost, placing greater emphasis on energy management and strategic use of Attack Mode. Both DS Penske drivers coordinated their Attack Mode activations in the second half of the race, aiming for a coordinated comeback. While traffic limited immediate gains, Barnard’s late surge proved the effectiveness of this strategy.
DS E-TENSE FE25 Demonstrates Qualifying Pace
The DS E-TENSE FE25 car continues to show promising performance, particularly in qualifying. Data collected in the 300 kW configuration has been encouraging, with Barnard even setting the second-fastest time overall in this mode. This suggests the car possesses raw qualifying pace, a key factor in Formula E success.
Did you know? DS Automobiles has a strong history in Formula E, and the partnership with PENSKE AUTOSPORT marks a new chapter for the team in the GEN3 Era.
Looking Ahead to Madrid
The Formula E World Championship now heads to the Jarama circuit near Madrid, Spain, on March 21st. DS Penske will aim to build on the positive momentum from recent races and further unlock the potential of the DS E-TENSE FE25.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the DS Penske drivers for the 2026 season?
The DS Penske drivers for the 2026 Formula E season are Maximilian Günther and Taylor Barnard.
What is Attack Mode in Formula E?
Attack Mode is a feature in Formula E that allows drivers to temporarily increase their power output by driving through a designated activation zone off the racing line.
What is Pitboost?
Pitboost was a feature in Formula E that provided drivers with a temporary power increase after stopping in the pit lane. It was not used in the recent race.
Pro Tip: Effective energy management is crucial in Formula E, especially in races without Pitboost. Drivers must carefully balance speed and energy conservation to maximize their performance.
Stay tuned for more updates from the DS Penske team as the Formula E season progresses. Explore more articles on electric vehicle racing and Formula E technology.