The Monaco E-Prix’s beginnings
Formula E’s Monaco journey started in 2015. Monte-Carlo was then selected for the FIA Formula E World Championship’s very first season (2014-2015). Its short and demanding urban track is simply unmissable, not least thanks to its association with the legendary Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco. Although it was only in its early stages, the electric single-seater motor race was already attracting a lot of interest. May 9, 2015, marked the inaugural Monaco E-Prix, which was a first-of-its-kind event in Europe. Ten teams took part in the competition, including Renault, Virgin Racing, Audi and Venturi. Switzerland’s Sébastien Buemi (e.dams-Renault) won the first electric racing grand prix in Monaco in front of packed stands.
Formula E’s winning drivers come to Monaco
After the Principality’s inaugural race in 2015 and Sébastien Buemi’s victory, the Monaco E-Prix returned two years later, on May 13, 2017. Mr Buemi emerged victorious a second time. The third event took place on May 11, 2019, and it was French former F1 driver Jean-Éric Vergne (DS Techeetah) who secured the podium. In 2020, the organizers were forced to announce the competition’s cancellation due to the Covid-19 pandemic. May 8, 2021 saw Formula E’s triumphant return to Monaco, marking the start of its now-annual run. This fourth event in Monte-Carlo was won by the Portuguese driver António Félix da Costa (DS Techeetah), who took pole position ahead of the Dutchman Robin Frijns (Virgin-Audi) and New Zealander Mitch Evans (Jaguar). The race was only decided in its final minutes, making it a truly thrilling spectacle for the assembled crowd. While speeds in Formula E are lower than in Formula 1, the races are no less intense. The 2024 Monaco Grand E-Prix will doubtless prove this once again.
Explore the Monaco 2024 Grand E-Prix track
With its 3.3 km of fast straights, ultra-tight bends and tricky chicanes, the Formula E track in Monaco guarantees an electrifying ride. You might be interested to know that, during the first events, the route included only some of the circuit used for Formula 1 since 1929. The 1,765 km Mirabeau ascent and stretch in front of the Casino de Monte-Carlo were not included, as the cars’ batteries were not powerful enough to handle it. However, the starting and finishing lines remained the same and, in total, the route featured 12 turns, including Sainte-Dévote, La Piscine and La Rascasse, all of which have become Monaco icons. But since 2021, thanks to cars’ new technology the route has been almost identical to that used for Formula 1. Formula E’s drivers now race in front of the legendary Place du Casino and through the tunnel, which is the fastest part of the track. By taking on this historic route, the Monaco E-Prix has unquestionably won its place among the top motorsports events.
The Monaco E-Prix’s 100% electric single-seaters
First imagined by former head of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) Jean Todt and businessman Alejandro Agag, the Formula E World Championship was created to make sustainable development part of motor racing. The vehicles have electric engines, reducing motorsports’ environmental impact and helping to promote low-carbon vehicles. Another of the cars’ features is that they are equipped with hybrid tires designed for all weather conditions. For the sake of the environment, the same set of tires is used throughout the competition.
During the first season and at the 2015 Monaco E-Prix in particular, the only model of car to be approved was the Spark-Renault SRT 01E, which was used by all teams positioned on the starting grid. Its maximum speed was 225 km/h (140 mph), a limit set by the FIA. At the time, its battery life of 28 KW h was not enough to complete the 45-minute race. This is why all the drivers had to stop in the paddock to change cars in the middle of the competition. Over the past few years, electric cars’ technology has developed at lightning speed and, from 2019, a new type of racing car has appeared, with a battery that boasts double the capacity. The race can run a lot more smoothly as a result, because the drivers can keep the same vehicle for the duration. Future events will doubtless feature fresh technical developments, which should fuel further interest in the sport.
The 2024 Monaco E-Prix schedule
Unlike the 3-day Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco, the Formula E competition in Monaco takes place over a single day. Two training lap sessions start at 8 am so each driver can test their car’s calibrations. Their performances are timed but do not count towards the final result. At noon, there are qualifying rounds, for which the drivers are divided into four groups. The six drivers who got the best time over two laps of the circuit are selected for the Super Pole. This qualifying session is used to identify the fastest driver, who gets pole position and 3 points added to his or her FIA World Championship ranking (a feature unique to Formula E). The Monaco E-Prix begins at about 3.30 pm. During the 45 minutes it takes to complete the circuit, drivers can activate Attack mode, allowing them to recover an extra 25 kW of power compared with the 200 kW used in standard mode. As a result, drivers have the chance to dart ahead at any moment. E-Prix events are also interactive, as five drivers are awarded a Fanboost, which gives them a 25 kW boost for 5 seconds. The public votes for who they would like to get a Fanboost via the FIA’s social media before the race starts.
All our Resort’s bars and restaurants welcome visitors passing through the Principality for the race. The Café de Paris Monte-Carlo, opposite Place du Casino, and La Rascasse bar number among the most popular establishments during major motorsports events in Monaco. Their terraces are close to the circuit. For a gourmet meal, the Louis XV - Alain Ducasse*** at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo or Pavyllon Monte-Carlo a restaurant by Yannick Alléno* at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo are also ideally located. Both are great locations for getting into the spirit of the race.
The 2023 event is expected to bring together the Formula E champions in Monaco. From Mitch Evans to Jean-Éric Vergne, Robin Frijns, António Félix da Costa, Stoffel Vandoorne and Nyck de Vries, which of the world championship drivers will take away the trophy in Monaco?
Find out more:
- Dream stays in our hotels on the occasion of the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco
- Our restaurants in pole position during automobile races
- Legendary parties at the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco
- Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco 2024
- Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco: where to enjoy the best views
- Charles Leclerc: Monaco Youngster Driving for Ferrari
