The streets of Monaco delivered another dramatic chapter in electric racing on Saturday as Nyck de Vries secured a long-awaited victory in the opening race of the Monaco Formula E double-header weekend.
Driving for Mahindra Racing, the Dutchman produced a composed and strategic performance to claim his first Formula E win since 2022, ending a difficult period and handing Mahindra Racing its first victory in several seasons.
The day began with Formula E’s intense one-day format, where Free Practice, Qualifying and the race itself unfolded within hours. Qualifying sessions saw drivers split into groups before progressing into knockout duels. Dan Ticktumsecured pole position for Cupra Kiro, with de Vries lining up alongside him on the front row.
The 29-lap race quickly developed into a tactical contest, particularly with the return of Formula E’s Pit Boost format. Drivers were required to complete a rapid-charge pit stop during the race, adding another layer of strategy around energy management and timing.
An early Safety Car on Lap 4 compressed the field and opened opportunities for several drivers, including António Félix da Costa, who climbed from eighth to fifth in the opening stages.
As Pit Boost stops began midway through the race, the lead shuffled repeatedly. Da Costa briefly moved to the front after activating Attack Mode, but de Vries steadily positioned himself for a decisive move. By Lap 20, he overtook da Costa and controlled the race from the front despite late pressure and a dramatic Full Course Yellow caused by a crash at Turn 10.
Although Mitch Evans and Ticktum crossed the line behind de Vries, a post-race penalty for Ticktum promoted Pepe Martí into the podium positions with a career-best finish.
For de Vries, the victory carried particular significance. Calm, precise and strategic throughout the afternoon, the former Formula E world champion finally returned to the top step of the podium on one of motorsport’s most demanding street circuits.