The Formula E World Championship took centre stage in Monaco this Saturday for the eighth round of the 2024 season.
It took place on the famous circuit of the Principality, the same one used for F1, with its 3.337 kilometers and 19 turns with intense competition from 22 drivers.
In a captivating showdown, Mitch Evans of Jaguar TCS Racing orchestrated a flawless race, securing his maiden victory in the Principality.
Despite missing out on pole position, Evans, alongside teammate Nick Cassidy, surged to the forefront, clinching a remarkable double triumph for Jaguar TCS Racing. The day commenced with Evans setting the pace in both free practice sessions, signaling a promising start for the Coventry-based team. However, qualifying setbacks relegated them to less favourable grid positions, setting the stage for a thrilling battle to the finish.
In a testament to Formula E’s unpredictable nature, pole-sitter Pascal Wehrlein faced adversity, slipping from first to fifth during the race. Meanwhile, the DS Penske duo of Jean-Eric Vergne and Stoffel Vandoorne fiercely contested victory, with Vandoorne securing a historic podium for the team.
Incidents prompted the intervention of two safety cars, adding to the intensity of the competition. Nevertheless, Evans’ victory marked the seventh different winner in eight races, underscoring the championship’s thrilling unpredictability.
Watching the E-Prix 2024 from the Fairmont hairpin curve was absolutely unforgettable. HelloMonaco readers were right there in the heart of all the action! The Fairmont Hotel in Monaco does offer the most incredible view of the famous hairpin curve. It’s a favourite spot for racing fans and tourists alike. You could feel the tension as everyone held their breath while the cars zoomed by. The scenery is simply breathtaking! It’s one of those places that grabs your attention, whether you’re a racing fan or just there to take in the beauty of Monaco. Plus, the atmosphere is filled with energy.
With Evans’ triumph, Jaguar TCS Racing reaffirmed their dominance, solidifying their position at the top of the constructors’ standings with a remarkable double victory. As the season unfolds, Pascal Wehrlein maintains his lead in the drivers’ championship, while Nick Cassidy ascends to second place, leaving reigning champion Jake Dennis to reflect on a challenging outing.
Gen3 Evo
Ahead of this Monaco E-Prix, Formula E and the FIA presented the next generation of car for the series: the GEN3 EVO. This evolution of the current generation of FE cars will make it the single-seater with the fastest acceleration, as it is expected to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 1.82 seconds. This will make its acceleration 30% faster than that of a Formula 1 car, according to organizers. Another major improvement of this car will be that all four wheels will be powered. However, drivers will only be able to use all-wheel drive during qualifying duels, race starts, and during the Attack Mode. These cars are designed to be faster, more agile, durable, and aggressive.
Royal Presence
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene, together with their children Crown Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, attended.
Prince Albert presented the trophy to the winner, driver Mitch Evans. As New Zealander Mitch Evans lives in Monaco it is a home win of sorts for the Principality. Meanwhile, the second-place finisher, Nick Cassidy, received his prize from Princess Charlene.
Many favourable comments from onlookers followed commenting on how great Princess Charlene looked and how the children are mega cute.
Monaco Home Team Maserati
A difficult race for the team. With both cars starting inside the top 10, Maserati had a reasonable hope of scoring a double points finish. The start of the race went well and Max Günther did an excellent job to move into the top five. After that, things didn’t go as planned. Surrounded by a lot of drivers who were team-mates meant that team games played with strategy won out. At one stage, Maserati were on course for a top six finish but Max had an incident with Oliver Rowland. It was hard racing, but fair, but it cost three positions. The race could have been better, but the home team scored points which is the main thing. Jehan Daruvala did a great job and was set for a good finish but had an issue with the Attack Mode activation which Maserati engineers are investigating. In two weeks, there is the Berlin E-Prix which was the site of Maserati’s first podium in Gen3 last season. So let’s hope for big points there once again.
Monaco can be tricky and this race was no exception. At the start Max and Jehan managed to gain some positions and were consistent and hungry for most of the race. Max was able to gain valuable points by finishing in the top 10 – he never gave up until the chequered flag – and Jehan showed that he is capable to fight in the top 10 among the top drivers
Maserati has showed its best in 2022, when it ended the season in second place for teams worldwide.
Half way through this season it has a fight on its hands to emulate that. But that’s how racing goes and it’s never over until it’s over.
Led by Chairman and Managing Partner Scott Swid, the Monaco-based brand, head-quartered only 500 metres from the track, is the most gender-diverse team in Formula E and is at the forefront of sustainability: it promotes the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, technical innovation and excellence.
