Felipe Drugovich happy despite losing Sanya E-Prix podium after celebrations: “What a day”

There was plenty of drama at the Sanya E-Prix last weekend as Andretti driver Felipe Drugovich celebrated his second-place finish with champagne, only to later lose his podium position due to a race penalty.

He was replaced by third-place finisher Pepe Martí of Cupra Kiro, while Nyck de Vries inherited a podium spot after finishing fourth.

Felipe Drugovich sums up dramatic Sanya E-Prix

Taking to his Instagram Stories after the dramatic race, Felipe Drugovich wrote: “What a day!!! P2 in qualifying and P2 in the race! We ended up dropping to P5 due to a five-second penalty for a bit of minor contact – contact from which I gained absolutely no advantage. Anyway! On to the next one; we’re on the right track. Really happy for the team and for @jakedennis19, who did an impeccable job all weekend long!”Many figures from the motorsport world congratulated him, along with his girlfriend, doctor Carla Siroti. Formula One driver Gabriel Bortoleto wrote in the comments: “Go on, man – driving like a pro!” Jack Doohan also commented: “Well done, brother!!”

Drugovich’s girlfriend Carla Siroti commented: “Proud of your progress.”

Cupra Kiro driver Pepe Martí, who later inherited second place, also shared multiple clapping emojis in the comments. Jaguar TCS Racing driver Antonio Félix da Costa also liked the post.

What actually happened at Sanya E-Prix

It was a historic day for Andretti as winner Jake Dennis and teammate Felipe Drugovich occupied the top two spots after successfully capitalising on their first-ever front-row lockout following an impressive qualifying performance.

However, Drugovich was handed a post-race five-second penalty after the champagne celebrations for contact with Porsche driver Pascal Wehrlein. As a result, the Andretti rookie was demoted to fifth place, behind Mahindra Racing’s Nyck de Vries, who was promoted to third on the podium, and Jaguar TCS Racing driver Antonio Felix da Costa.Drugovich is currently 12th in the Formula E Drivers’ Championship standings with 42 points, one place behind fellow rookie Pepe Marti.Formula E returned to Sanya after seven years, with the venue having been removed from the calendar due to the Covid-19 pandemic. While Jake Dennis recorded his second victory of the season, it was a fortunate day for Nyck de Vries, who secured a podium finish just days after claiming victory at the iconic endurance race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans.There are two more races scheduled in China, both in Shanghai. The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship will continue with Rounds 12 and 13 in Shanghai on 4 and 5 July.