Monaco Now - Monaco E-Prix: the Grand Prix, electrified

Since 2015, the Monaco E-Prix has become a major highlight of the FIA Formula E World Championship.

As a historic Formula 1 circuit, Monaco has naturally been part of the Formula E schedule since the first season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship for single-seater electric cars. The very first Monegasque race – and the first E-Prix to be held in Europe – took place on 9 May 2015. The event saw a pile-up involving seven drivers and a victory for Sébastien Buemi, the first driver to win two races in the brand new championship.

« For me, Monaco was a dream, I had always wanted to create a Formula E stage in Monaco. From the outset, I received a lot of support from Prince Albert II and the ACM. »

Alejandro Agag, the creator of Formula E, to Monaco Info

The Monaco E-Prix was initially held every two years, with drivers competing over a track of 1,765 kilometres – the shortest of all the Formula E circuits. This avoided the Mirabeau uphill section included in the Formula 1 circuit, which was deemed to require too much energy. Since 2022, the race – now held annually – has used the same circuit as the Formula 1 event, covering a total of 3,367 kilometres. This means that it is now possible to compare the times achieved by electric and hybrid single-seater race cars…

Formula E – which was rated the most sustainable motorsport in the world by a recent study – has made enormous technological progress since it was created in September 2014. During the 2022/23 season, a new lighter and faster car made its appearance. The third-generation (Gen 3) Formula E car can reach a top speed of 320 km/h. This model is 75% more powerful, and its maximum speed is 95 km/h faster compared to the first generation cars! That’s certainly something to pique the curiosity of motorsports fans…

The Monaco E-Prix 2023, the ninth leg of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, was held over one day, including practice sessions, qualifying rounds, the race and a demonstration lap. Nick Cassidy, from New Zealand, won the race. Starting in ninth position on the grid, the driver executed a number of overtaking manoeuvres to secure his spot on the podium ahead of Mitch Evans and Jake Dennis.

As with the Monaco Grand Prix, this event requires the Principality to be transformed into a full-on motor racing circuit. For nearly two months, teams from the Automobile Club de Monaco and its various suppliers work hard to prepare this legendary urban circuit. In 2023, the work to resurface the roads used by the Monegasque circuit (covering some 15,000 m²) has resulted in new tarmac for almost 50% of the track. Every year stands and a race director’s building are erected in record time.

Find out more : www.monaco-eprix.com