Maximilian Gunther’s sensational recent form continued last weekend at the Rome E-Prix double-header, where he claimed a famous home podium for Maserati MSG Racing.
Since the Berlin E-Prix at the end of April, Gunther has been in mesmeric form, which he demonstrated once again in the Italian capital.
The 26-year-old claimed third position in the opening race of the weekend in the Eternal City, something which saw the Maserati driver stand proudly on the podium at the team’s home race.
“It is an amazing feeling to put Maserati on the podium in our first home race in Formula E,” Gunther said in his post-race interview following race one.
“Incredible, lots of emotions and happiness. It had been a tough weekend so far, we had a few issues we can hopefully sort out for tomorrow, so we just have to live with them today. We did a good qualifying and the race was executed super well. I am really happy about this podium.
“I knew it was more difficult to overtake here, so energy management was going to be crucial, that was clear. To be fair, top five, top six was what we targeted, we wanted to score good points. But to take the podium, I am happy to take it, but it was not expected today.”
Gunther’s Rome podium was a very proud moment for the Italian manufacturer, who’ve endured a challenging return to single-seater motorsport this season.
Neither Gunther or Edoardo Mortara could catch a break in the opening rounds of the year, with bad luck having followed the Monte-Carlo-based side wherever they went.
They staggeringly only claimed three points in the opening six rounds of the Gen3 era, despite having been quickest in pre-season testing. Gunther actually topped almost every session in Valencia ahead of season nine, giving the impression that Maserati were a side to watch.
Berlin was a definite turning point for the team and for Gunther, who claimed his first points of 2023 in the German capital after securing the team’s first podium of the season.
The German has built in stature ever since, with him having gone on to claim another podium and Maserati’s first single-seater victory since 1957 at the Jakarta double-header. Gunther also secured his first Formula E pole position in the Indonesian capital.
He’s elevated himself and the team in both championships, to the extent where he finds himself sixth in the Drivers’ Standings after Rome, whilst the team also sit sixth in the Constructors’ Championship.
If Maserati had shown their recent form throughout the season, then there is no doubting that they’d be challenging for both titles.
Maserati and Gunther are ending the season as one of the strongest pairings, something which makes it even more of a shock that the German reportedly doesn’t have a seat for 2024 yet.
For now, Gunther will be hoping to end the season on a high next weekend in London, where he could overtake Jean-Eric Vergne for fifth in the championship.
