Formula E Preview: Monaco E Prix - Timings, ways to watch, and more
- Vyas Ponnuri
- 5 hours ago
- 7 min read
Written by Vyas Ponnuri
"It's Monaco, baby!". 2009 F1 World Champion Jenson Button's words still ring out ahead of every race weekend in the Principality, sparking plenty of excitement. With two races in Monaco, there's even more to look forward to in Formula E's annual trip to the French Riviera.
\Formula E's Monaco visits, once sporadic, have become an annual affair in the last four years. The all-electric racing series has ramped up its presence over the years in the country.
The championship first ventured into the Principality 10 years ago, on 9th May, 2015. On that day, the layout for the venue took a sharper right at the famous Sainte-Dévote corner, traversing down the narrower John F. Kennedy Avenue, taking them down to the Nouvelle chicane.
A right hander into the Nouvelle chicane, drivers then navigated the famous Tabac corner, down to the Swimming Pool chicanes, before making their way around La Rascasse and Anthony Noghes to form what was a lap of the Monaco E Prix circuit, back then.
The shorter track layout fit the requirements and characteristics of the Gen1 cars, with the limited battery capacities meaning drivers had to swap cars mid-race. Monaco too used to be a rarity on the Formula E calendar, alternating with the Historic Grand Prix of Monaco. As such, only three Monaco E-Prix took place between 2015 and 2019, a lesser notable event.
A crucial turning point in Formula E's Monaco tale was the change to use the Grand Prix layout from 2021, featuring the iconic run up Beau Rivage, Casino Square, and the famous Monaco Hairpin. A stellar first outing only validated Formula E's decision to switch to the full layout, with Monaco then becoming a fixture on Formula E calendars ever since.
The smaller cars only increased overtaking, with 2023 and 2024's outings bringing in 116 and 197 overtakes around the narrow streets of the Principality. No shortage of action around Monaco in either years, it would appear.
Monaco's continued success was rewarded with a double header for the first time in the championship's short history. It only speaks volumes of the prominence Formula E has acquired around the storied streets.
A stunning juxtaposition of the historic city streets playing host to a contemporary, ever-evolving racing series — now twice in two days, a sight you absolutely shouldn't be missing out on, when action kicks off on Saturday morning.
Formula E's story around the streets has continued to evolve, with the ever-changing landscape of the series reaping greater success around Monaco. With the Gen3 Evo car proving the fastest Formula E machine ever made, it will be exciting to see how drivers tame the beast in the Crown Jewel on the Formula E calendar.
With the championship fight only heating up, and a series of six races to come over the next five weeks, it only adds on to the atmosphere at the Monaco E Prix, marking a crucial juncture in the tale of the 2024-25 Formula E season. If all that wasn't enough, a second outing for Formula E's newest addition: Pit Boost, only spices up an already exciting weekend.
The Championship standings ahead of the weekend:
Oliver Rowland (Nissan) - 69 points
António Félix da Costa (Porsche) - 54 points
Pascal Wehrlein (Porsche) - 51 points
Taylor Barnard (McLaren) - 51 points
Maximilian Günther (DS Penske) - 37 points
The layout for the weekend
The Monaco Street Circuit, where traditional meets contemporary. A regular on the Formula E calendar since 2021, It has seen minimal modifications over the years, with only a minor alteration to the exit of the Nouvelle chicane between 2021 and 2022.
In complete contrast to its Formula One counterpart, Formula E often throws up action-packed and exciting races around the streets of the Principality. While the run along the famous tunnel, into the Nouvelle chicane has been the traditional overtaking spot even in the all-electric racing series, drivers have often proven far more adventurous in the past.
The Loews Hairpin has been an overtaking spot at this venue, with the concertina effect at the chicane helping the likes of Nick Cassidy and Oliver Rowland pull off multiple overtakes at the corner. Mitch Evans' daring overtake on da Costa in 2021 in the narrow Beau Rivage corner is another move of note around this venue.
With attack mode situated on the outside of Casino Square, the run down to Mirabeau corner is another important spot of contention for drivers. The power of the attack mode coupled with 4WD could open up several newer overtaking spots for drivers around the 3.3 km (2.0 mi) circuit.
As has been the case in races at Monaco in the past, the narrow streets can also result in plenty of incidents. Edoardo Mortara and Oliver Rowland's incidents from past years only reiterate this into the perspective of a true Formula E race around Monaco.
Timings for the weekend
Round 6: Saturday, 3rd May (Timings in GMT)
Free Practice 1: 05:30 - 06:15
Free Practice 2: 07:10 - 07:45
Qualifying: 08:40 - 10:03
Race (29 laps): 13:05 - 14:00
Round 7: Sunday, 4th May (Timings in GMT)
Free Practice 3: 06:30 - 09:25
Qualifying: 08:40 - 10:03
Race (29 laps): 13:05 - 14:00
Important Notes:
Both races will run for 29 laps each
Attack mode will be situated on the outside of turn 4 (Casino Square)
Porsche have never won a race around Monaco
Pit Boost will be used in Round 6 on Saturday
Drivers to watch out for
António Félix da Costa: Having missed out on victory in Miami due to an ill-timed red flag that exhausted his attack mode, da Costa would definitely be itching for a right of reply as the Formula E grid enters Monaco. A former winner around this venue, the Portuguese racer will be looking to bank on his prior experience to become the first repeat winner on the full Grand Prix layout.
Pascal Wehrlein: Wehrlein capitalised on da Costa's misfortunes to triumph in Miami, taking his first win of the season. With the Porsche powertrain proving an excellent force, the German will be looking to break his team's jinx around the Principality. Wehrlein has previously led around Monaco, with a technical issue denying him victory in 2022.
Oliver Rowland: With an off-colour Miami weekend, Rowland's stranglehold at the top was reduced to only 15 points. The Nissan racer will be looking for a big response to stem the tide of his rivals at Monaco, a crucial double header in the context of his season.
Stoffel Vandoorne: A former winner around this configuration in his title-winning 2022 season, and the scene of his only podium for DS Penske in 2024, Vandoorne might call himself a specialist around Monaco's streets. With four points scores this season, will the Belgian finally come into his own for a team celebrating their 'home' race at Monaco?
Major Storylines for the Monaco E Prix weekend
How will Monaco fare as a double-header for the first time? - For the first time in five seasons, the full Grand Prix layout in Monaco will be hosting two races on a weekend. With double the races comes double the action. Will this be a fruitful step for the event's future? It definitely remains to be seen.
Can anyone emulate Jaguar's teamwork effort from 2024? - Much was spoken of the efficiency in which Jaguar utilised their attack mode to bring home a 1-2 finish around the streets of Monaco. Evans and Cassidy shadowed each other to make the full use of attack mode last year and grab maximum points in the race. Will anyone be able to match their performance this year?
How will Rowland and Taylor Barnard respond after Miami swings? - A statement showing by Porsche in Miami brought both drivers right back into championship contention, capitalising on Rowland and Barnard's struggles on the day. Both drivers will know they have to find their way back towards the front in Monaco, if they are to keep their championship battle in check.
Can Lola ABT build on Miami success? - A major feel-good story from the Miami E Prix weekend was Lucas di Grassi bringing home Lola ABT Yamaha's maiden podium in their history, only days after the parties had agreed to work together into the Gen4 era. The Brazilian credited his team's excellent practice running as key to their race pace in Miami. It remains to be seen if the team can build on strong practice sessions to bring home points in Monaco.
Can Mahindra finally net a podium in 2025? - Nearly-men in 2025, Mahindra have proven to be consistent points finishers all season. With Nyck de Vries' fourth in Jeddah and Mortara's two fifth-places the team's best finishes, it remains to be seen if Mahindra can finally grab their first podium in two seasons this weekend.
Race Predictions
I do believe we'll see a team emulate Jaguar's methods from last season and grab a double podium around Monaco. Porsche will continue their strong form from Miami into Monaco, with da Costa ending the team's drought in the venue, winning ahead of teammate Wehrlein, while Rowland answers his critics in style with a podium in Round 6.
For Round 7, I will predict a new winner this year, with Vandoorne becoming yet another repeat winner around Monaco, this time for Maserati. I would predict Barnard to find his way back to a Formula E podium at the scene of his debut 12 months ago, while Maximilian Günther will make it a Stellantis-powered double podium.
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