The ex-Formula One driver, who races for the China-owned Techeetah team, had clinched the individual crown in Saturday’s penultimate race.

The team battle was finely balanced, however, and Audi ended up as champions by two points after Brazil’s outgoing champion Lucas di Grassi and Germany’s Daniel Abt finished second and third respectively.

Techeetah had been ahead until Sunday but a one-two finish for Audi in Saturday’s race in Brooklyn’s Red Hook neighbourhood had put them under pressure.

“We didn’t realize we had a chance until we got the first and second yesterday. It’s just amazing,” said Audi team principal Allan McNish.

Vergne led from the first corner, after qualifying third, with teammate André Lotterer running in second place but under investigation for jumping the start.

Lotterer was then handed a 10 second stop/go penalty and finished ninth.