Nyck de Vries claims emotional Monaco E-Prix victory as stars descend on the Principality
Nyck de Vries secured an emotional first win for Mahindra Racing in the GEN3 era during a dramatic opening day of the Monaco E-Prix attended by Formula 1 stars and celebrities from across the sporting world.
The first day of the Monaco E-Prix delivered strategy, drama and a major comeback story as Nyck de Vries secured a brilliant victory for Mahindra Racing on the streets of Monte-Carlo.
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The Dutch driver mastered the demanding Monaco circuit during Round 9 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, executing a perfectly timed PIT BOOST strategy before taking control of the race and crossing the line comfortably ahead of Jaguar TCS Racing’s Mitch Evans.
It marks De Vries’ first Formula E victory since Berlin 2022 and Mahindra Racing’s first win of the GEN3 era - an emotional milestone for both driver and team after several difficult seasons.
Perfect strategy gives De Vries control
Starting from the front row, De Vries made an early pit stop before using his ATTACK MODE activation to overtake António Félix da Costa on Lap 20.
From there, he remained untouchable, building a gap of more than three seconds by the chequered flag.
After the race, the former Formula E champion admitted the result carried special meaning for the team.
“We’ve had some difficult moments over the last few years, so this victory means a lot,” he said.
“The team made all the right calls today and the car felt fantastic.”
Evans takes championship lead
Jaguar’s Mitch Evans finished second after another strong Monaco performance, collecting valuable championship points that now move him into the lead of the Drivers’ Championship ahead of Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein.
The New Zealander described strategy as the key factor around the Principality’s tight and technical street circuit, while also admitting he survived several nervous moments during the race after contact left him fearing a puncture.
The final podium place eventually went to rookie Pepe Martí after polesitter Dan Ticktum received a post-race penalty following a late-race incident.
The result marks the best Formula E finish of Martí’s career and makes him the first Spanish driver ever to stand on a Formula E podium.
Formula 1 stars spotted in Monaco paddock
Beyond the racing itself, the Monaco E-Prix once again attracted a star-studded crowd to the paddock.
Several Formula 1 drivers — including Carlos Sainz, Nico Hülkenberg, Gabriel Bortoleto and Ollie Bearman — were spotted in Monaco ahead of their own Grand Prix appearance later this month.
British actor Idris Elba, Susie Wolff and a number of high-profile sporting and entertainment figures also attended the event, highlighting Formula E’s growing popularity both inside and outside the motorsport world.
One more race to go
The action continues tomorrow in Monaco with Round 10 of the championship, as Formula E’s historic double-header weekend reaches its conclusion on the streets of the Principality.