Mercedes wins both Formula E titles in topsy-turvy finale

While the all-electric racing series Formula E may not have the cache or prestige of Formula One, we can't deny its ability to surprise us.

In the fifteenth and final race of the 2020-2021 Formula E season, Mercedes EQ driver Nyck de Vries of the Netherlands sealed his first-ever World Championship (yes, Formula E is now an FIA World Championship series) while Mercedes EQ secured their first-ever championship in the series. But unlike the dominance of Mercedes-AMG in Formula One, the electric counterpart didn't come into the final round as the heavy favorite.

The Dutchman did come into the finale as the World Championship leader, but only just at 95 points. Venturi's Edoardo Mortara (SUI), BMW's Jake Dennis (GBR), and Jaguar's Mitch Evans (NZE) were all right there at 92, 91, and 90 points, respectively. Mortara and Evans had a collision on the starting grid as the Jaguar suddenly stalled and the Venturi couldn't avoid it. After the restart, Dennis and his BMW crashed out in an unusual incident.

The race wasn't smooth sailing for de Vries though, as he actually wasn't in the lead with his Mercedes Formula E car; he started way down in 12th position. Still, he clawed his way up the order; sometimes taking a few risks to get some positions or even defending.

At the end of the race, it was Norman Nato (FRA) of Venturi that took the flag followed by Nissan's Oliver Rowland (GBR) and Mercedes EQ's Stoffel Vandooorne (BEL). Eventual champion Nyck de Vries finished in 8th position which was enough to keep any other challengers for the title at bay.

The World Championship in the teams' category also took a similar albeit unusual turn. Mercedes EQ came into the finale well behind of leader Jaguar. But the points haul from Vandoorne's podium and from de Vries versus the 7th place finish for Jaguar's Sam Bird meant Mercedes was able to overtake Jaguar in the team standings.

The result is interesting given that Mercedes won the title not long after reports emerged that they were pulling out of the series. Audi and BMW have announced that they were leaving at the end of the now concluded 2020-21 seasons, and supposedly Mercedes will follow suit.

Given that Mercedes EQ just won the title, would they reconsider and stay in Formula E?