On the other hand, his 2015 GP2 campaign promised so much with his signing with Russian Time, only to stutter in the first half of the season before coming good towards the end.
Such was his end to the season that motorsport.com named him the fourth best GP2 driver on the circuit. His limited campaign in endurance racing also garnered some great success with a win at Spa on debut and the podium at Le Mans in the only two drives he had with Jota Sport.
On the back of those two results and his flying finish to the GP2 season where he was on the podium more than any other driver except 2015 champion Stoffel Vandoorne, Evans tested for Porsche in their LMP1 and Audi in their DTM car.
But it was in the knowledge all the seats had been locked away owing to both manufacturers reducing their racing commitments.
"You're right, it has been a frustrating year overall, but there have been a few highlights," said Evans, who's home for Christmas.
"The start of the year [GP2] was horrific and really tough for me - to be honest, it was embarrassing. I had to make changes halfway through the year just to try and get my reputation back in a healthy state and get some good results.
"Fortunately I got my engineer back from last year after Silverstone and from then onwards, we were competitive. For me, that was a big moment because if that hadn't have worked out, everyone would have been looking at me.
"It worked out and we were able to show a lot of people what we could do.
"In between GP2, I was able to do Le Mans and get on the podium, which was an amazing feeling and something I won't forget.
"Obviously testing with Porsche was incredible and it went really well. That was looking good, but they've cancelled their third car [LMP1 for Le Mans].
"The Audi DTM test was cool as well but all their seats have signed for next year. It's been a busy year, which is great, but it's also been very up and down. But at least we finished on a high that gives me confidence for next year."
In the usual twist of fate for Kiwi sport stars who play, and win, at the elite level in their chosen sport that doesn't involve an oval ball, a round red one or going backwards on the water, Evans is more well known overseas than here.
It's not only frustrating for him, but for a number of young New Zealanders who are setting the world alight in motorsport - like Hayden Paddon, Brendon Hartley, Richie Stanaway and Nick Cassidy.
"It's a constant battle to get recognised for what a lot of us have done racing overseas. Scott [Dixon] got nominated [for a Halberg Award], which was great, but Earl [Bamber] didn't [winning Le Mans] and nor did Brendon [Hartley] for winning a world title [World Endurance Championship].
"We're just so narrow-minded down here. It's a shame that the New Zealand mindset doesn't understand how big motorsport is on a global scale. I've tried as much as I can but I won't be holding my breath for any change soon."
But there is some good news for Evans. His exploits at Le Mans where he drove the wheels of the LMP2 Jota, lapping faster than some of the LMP1 cars, earned him the Woolf Barnato Trophy at the British Racing Drivers Club annual awards.
Also, unsubstantiated rumours abound that Evans has signed with Campos Racing for another season in GP2. But he has yet to sign with any team for next year.
"Yeah, there's some stuff out there saying I've already signed but that's not the case," he said.
"We're still in discussion and nothing has been confirmed yet, but it's on the cards that I probably will be back in GP2 next year."
