# DS Formula E Race Recap: A Lesson in Momentum

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2026/07/ds-formula-e-race-recap-a-lesson-in-momentum/
- Published: 2026-07-31T23:49:22-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## DS Automobiles Fights for Points in Tokyo: Lead Lost as Track Dries Out during the DS Formula e Race

The excitement of the DS Formula e Race was evident as the lead changed hands. Notably,
weather played a critical role in this DS Formula e Race, with strategies shifting
rapidly. Ultimately, the DS Formula e Race in Tokyo became a test of adaptability
for every team.

The Tokyo E-Prix was one of those races that leaves you shaking your head. DS Automobiles
had real pace. In fact, it had the kind of pace that makes you start thinking about
a podium, maybe even more. Then the weather stepped in, the track changed, and the
whole thing turned into a frustrating lesson in how fast momentum can disappear 
in Formula E.

For a wider perspective on the electric racing series, read our [green sports and energy revolution report](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/11/green-sports-the-rise-of-sustainable-sporting-venues/),
which examines sustainability beyond passenger vehicles.

Rain hammered the circuit earlier in the day, FP3 got canceled, and everyone had
to make [big calls with limited data](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/03/how-big-data-drives-intelligent-transportation/).
That alone set up a messy afternoon. Still, DS looked sharp from the start. And 
yet, even with the speed clearly there, the drying surface and shifting grip took
the race in another direction. So yes, double points matter. But this was also a
classic case of what could have been.

## A Chaotic Start in the Heart of Tokyo

The [day started with weather drama right away](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/for-earth-day-2011-green-mountain-gave-away-600-red-oak-liners-at-earth-day-houston-at-discovery-green-park/).
Because of the downpour, Free Practice 3 was canceled for safety reasons. As a result,
teams went into qualifying without the usual amount of grip data. Even so, Taylor
Barnard still delivered. He [put the car 4th on the grid](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/07/plant-market-wind-renewables-on-grid-putting-negative-price-myth-bed/)
while the surface was only beginning to come around.

That mattered. It showed DS had [turned up with a car](https://greenlivingguy.com/2007/03/electric-cars-turning-on-the-juice/)
that could really work in those tricky conditions. So naturally, hopes rose. You
could feel it. The pace looked genuine, and the setup seemed to suit the damp track.
But then Formula E did what Formula E does. The circuit kept evolving, and suddenly
the race became less about raw speed and more about [surviving the changing](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/03/climate-change-emergency-essentials-starting-a-food-stockpile-for-survival/)
conditions.

![Wet race track with barriers displaying julius bär and abb formula e branding 
for the ds formula e race intokyo skyline in background with illuminated modern 
buildings and tokyo big sight architecture at dusk](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.
com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/the-green-living-guy-6a6d56d8d77ec.png?resize=780%
2C439&quality=50&ssl=1 "Tokyo E-Prix wet racecourse and skyline - The Green Living
Guy")

 

## Taylor Barnard Leads the Charge

Barnard did the hard part. He put himself in the fight, stayed composed, and then
took the lead. For a while, DS fans had every reason to believe this might finally
be the [day when all that potential turned](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/06/on-world-environment-day-world-turns-spotlight-on-air-pollution/)
into a headline result. The car looked alive. Barnard looked calm. Everything was
lining up.

And that is exactly why the finish hurt.

Once the track began drying quickly, the balance shifted. The tires fell away, the
advantage disappeared, and Barnard was left trying to defend instead of attack. 
That is racing, sure. But it was still brutal to watch because the speed had been
there. He did not luck into the front. He earned it. Then the conditions changed
and the race slipped away, leaving him in 9th when it felt like so much more had
been possible.

## Strategy Stalled by the Red Flag

Meanwhile, on the other side of the garage, Maximilian Günther had his own frustrating
afternoon. He started deeper in the pack and went with an energy-focused strategy.
The idea was simple: stay disciplined early, save what he could, and come back hard
later.

Then the red flag messed with the whole picture.

Just when that strategy needed room to breathe, the race got interrupted. After 
that, Günther was left dealing with traffic and a much narrower path forward. He
still brought the car home in 10th, which means DS got both cars into the points.
That is not nothing. Still, when one car had [led and the other had a plan](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/macys-continues-installation-of-msi-ipar-led-lighting-as-part-of-overall-sustainability-plan/)
that never got a fair chance to play out, P9 and P10 felt more annoying than satisfying.

![Racing car steering wheel with battery percent power speed rpm gear motor and 
inverter temperature readings plus labeled control buttons and dials for drs pit
brake bias ers mode and regen level](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/
uploads/2026/07/the-green-living-guy-6a6d576582eeb.png?resize=780%2C780&quality=
50&ssl=1 "Electric Racing Car Steering Controls - The Green Living Guy")

 

## Racing as a Laboratory for Your Next EV

This is also the [part that matters beyond the finishing order](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/08/nova-bus-is-proud-to-announce-a-new-order-for-two-electric-buses-by-brampton-as-part-of-the-cutric-project/).
At [Green Living Guy](https://greenlivingguy.com), we keep saying Formula E is more
than a race series. It is a rolling [test lab for better EVs](https://greenlivingguy.com/2024/01/test-drive-review-2024-hyundai-ioniq-6-electric-car/).
DS Automobiles pushes hard in these events because the lessons [learned here do not stay](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/04/ossining-stays-beautiful-and-learns-about-living-a-more-sustainable-life/)
at the track. They trickle down into road cars, including ideas that support the
broader [DS E-TENSE lineup](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/07/enel-charging-x-ev-formula-e-plus-coming-to-usa).

That includes energy-management software, battery efficiency, and thermal control
under pressure. In other words, when DS goes through a maddening race like Tokyo,
the team is still collecting useful data that can [improve real-world electric vehicles](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/02/chevrolet-to-launch-three-new-all-electric-vehicles-in-addition-to-improved-2021-bolt/).
So yes, fans wanted more than P9 and P10. Of course they did. But the [green angle is still real](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/09/big-real-green-energy-producer-buys-texas-company-green-mountain-energy/):
every lap of this R&D work helps shape cleaner, smarter road cars.

![Electric drive system and battery pack labeled ds e tense](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.
com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/the-green-living-guy-6a6d57b4d1860.png?resize=780%
2C975&quality=50&ssl=1 "DS E-Tense electric vehicle components - The Green Living
Guy")

 

## The Legacy of DS Automobiles in Formula E

[Part of the reason](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/09/reasons-ev-charging-should-be-part-of-any-sustainability-plan/)
this one stings is simple: DS is not new to fighting at the front. This is a [team with real history in Formula](https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/08/lego-empire-state-building-with-lapizdigger-and/)
E, which is why a result like this feels so loaded. The pace said one thing. The
final standings said another.

Here is the bigger picture:

 * **152 races** completed at the highest level of electric racing.
 * **4 championship titles**.
 * **18 wins**.
 * **55 podiums**.
 * **26 poles**.

Those are not the numbers of a team that is happy to just sneak into the points.
So when DS ends a race weekend with 9th and 10th after showing lead-running speed,
frustration is natural. Still, there is also something to respect here. They keep
grinding. They keep showing up with speed. And they keep [giving themselves chances](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/ford-and-green-festival-give-organizations-a-chance-to-make-a-difference-with-community-green-grant/).

## Looking Ahead to the London Finale

Now everything shifts to London on August 15-16, 2026. And honestly, that feels 
right. After a race like Tokyo, you just want the next chance. You want the reset.
You want to see whether all that obvious potential can finally turn into the kind
of result this team looked capable of delivering.

London will bring its own technical puzzle, especially with that unique indoor-outdoor
layout. But that is also what makes it such a fitting season finale. DS has the 
pace. Tokyo proved that, even if the result did not. So yes, double points is double
points. However, the bigger feeling [coming out of Japan](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/02/formula-e-race-coverage-coming-to-japan/)
is unfinished business. If DS can put the whole weekend together in London, this
frustrating chapter could still end on a proud note.

In the end, Tokyo was a reminder that Formula E can be cruel and clever at the same
time. One minute you are leading. Next, the track turns, the tires go away, and 
you are left thinking about what should have happened. Still, that is racing. And
just as important, it is also where better EV [technology gets sharpened for the road ahead](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/02/li-air-technology-challenges-and-opportunities-ahead/).

### Outside Sources for Further Reading:

 * [Official ](https://www.fiaformulae.com)ABB FIA Formula E Website
 * DS Automobiles Performance [– Official Site](https://www.dsautomobiles.com)
 * [Bloomberg Green – The Future of EV Racing](https://www.bloomberg.com/green)

 

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
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