WEHRLEIN WINS MIAMI E-PRIX AFTER LATE PENALTIES THAT COST BOTH NEOM MCLAREN DRIVERS
In a chaotic Miami E-Prix, Pascal Wehrlein strategically used his ATTACK MODE to overtake teammate António Félix da Costa, ultimately winning after a late-race red flag and subsequent penalties reshuffled the results. Lucas di Grassi secured second, earning Lola Yamaha ABT's first podium, while da Costa finished third.
Numerous drivers, including polesitter Norman Nato and both NEOM McLaren Formula E Team drivers, were penalised for failing to utilise their mandatory ATTACK MODE due to the race's interrupted conclusion. The race featured multiple lead changes, a Safety Car period and a dramatic three-car crash, culminating in a frenetic five-lap sprint to the finish.
Andretti Formula E's Nico Mueller, Edoardo Mortara of Mahindra Racing and polesitter Nato completed the top six, respectively.
Prior to the red-flag incident, both NEOM McLaren drivers ran an incredible race. Notably, Sam Bird made up 14 places and crossed the finish line in fifth while Taylor Barnard finished in eighth from his 11th place start. However, because neither driver used their mandatory ATTACK MODE before the red flag forced an early race finish, Bird and Barnard were each hit with a 10-second penalty resulting in them dropping to 18th and 20th place respectively.
The Miami E-Prix result more than doubles Wehrlein's points score for the season, moving him to third in the FIA Drivers' World Championship behind da Costa and Oliver Rowland – despite the Brit's non-score.
TAG Heuer Porsche leads Nissan 105 points to 79 in the FIA Teams' World Championship standings, with NEOM McLaren Formula E Team sitting in third with 67 points. Nissan leads Porsche in the FIA Manufacturers' World Championship 144 points to 120.
For a full lap-by-lap race report, visit: fiaformulae.com.
Pascal Wehrlein, No. 1, TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, said:
'We were lucky with the Safety Car to be honest, but I think we've had enough bad luck so we can also be lucky for once. Great job by everyone for bringing home this result. I knew that all the cars behind still had an Attack Mode to do – some of them six minutes – and my team kept me informed who was within six minutes. I still wanted to finish the race in P1 over the line, and I tried, but I knew that there was a penalty coming for [Norman] Nato and it is what it is.'
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship continues at a double-header event, Rounds 6 and 7 in Monaco next month, on 3-4 May.
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