FE drivers dismayed: 'Go demonstrate in a museum'

The start of the Formula E race in Berlin was rocked by Last Generation protesters. The drivers' reaction was one of dismay at the dangerous situation that ensued, as they had little sympathy for the climate activists.

Why Formula E in particular?

The activists climbed over the security fences just before the start of the race at Germany's former Tempelhof airport and remained on the grid. They were removed from the track by security forces, and the race eventually started with a delay of only six minutes, with the drivers shocked by the events.

Dutchman Robin Frijns, who was in pole position, watched the spectacle in his rear-view mirrors. E-formel.de quotes the driver: "I think it's sad. I have never understood these people. We are actually trying to help the climate and show that electric vehicles are better for the planet. And then they come here and then they do something like this."

'Protesters should also think own safety'

Fellow Formula E driver and rival Lucas di Grassi also cannot understand the protesters: "At first I thought it was a marshal with a yellow flag, but then the person jumped the fence and was right in front of my car. I thought, 'What the f***'. They should go to a museum or somewhere else to demonstrate in future. Especially for their own safety. I think I've seen everything in Formula E now."

Porsche's Antonio Felix da Costa said more or less the same as Frijns, stressing, "We are actually fighting for the same goal. We are by far the most sustainable and ecological branch of motorsport there has ever been [...] I don't get it. I hope everyone is OK."