In a dramatic turn of events at the iconic Circuit de Monaco, Oliver Rowland secured one of the most unusual pole positions in Formula E history during the Monaco E-Prix II qualifying session on May 4, 2025. The British driver from Nissan clinched the top spot without a final duel, as both DS Penske drivers exceeded track limits in the second semi-final. This unexpected twist means Rowland will share the front row with Nyck de Vries, who had previously been defeated by Rowland in the first semi-final.
The qualifying results showcased a mix of familiar names and surprises. Maximilian Günther and Jean-Eric Vergne, both from DS Penske, filled the third and fourth spots respectively, while reigning world champion Pascal Wehrlein could only manage to qualify in ninth position. This sets the stage for an exciting race day as the drivers prepare to battle it out on the challenging streets of Monaco.
Rowland’s pole position comes after a season filled with strategic maneuvers and competitive racing. He has already established a significant lead in the Formula E championship standings, thanks in part to his performance in the previous race held on May 3, where he demonstrated a masterclass in race strategy. Starting from second after a qualifying mishap, Rowland managed to secure his third victory of the 2024/25 season, further extending his championship lead.
During the Miami E-Prix, Rowland faced several challenges, including a crash during qualifying that forced his team to work tirelessly to prepare his car for the race. "When I set off to the grid I heard a strange noise, like a whining noise on the back," Rowland explained. Despite these concerns, he managed to navigate through the chaos of the race, including a fierce battle with Taylor Barnard from McLaren.
On Lap 11, Rowland attempted a daring overtaking maneuver at the entry to the Swimming Pool, but Barnard held his ground. However, by Lap 12, Rowland had taken the lead at Tabac after Barnard straight-lined the chicane, allowing Rowland to capitalize on the moment. "Honestly, I don't want to say anything bad about anybody, but for me, I was fully up on the inside. It was my corner, and he released the brakes and cut the chicane twice," Rowland remarked after the race.
The race was punctuated by two significant Full Course Yellows, one of which was triggered by a crash involving Antonio Felix da Costa and another due to Mitch Evans' Jaguar suffering a powertrain issue. Rowland's strategic decisions during these interruptions paid off, allowing him to maintain his position and ultimately win the race with a two-second margin over his nearest competitor, Nyck de Vries.
Rowland's victory not only marked his sixth career win in Formula E but also solidified his lead in the championship standings, now boasting 94 points compared to reigning champion Pascal Wehrlein's 60 points. "We’ve started the season really well, but it feels a bit different now. Normally you’d be looking forward to the champagne but you’ve already got one eye on tomorrow," Rowland stated, looking ahead to the next race.
As the second leg of the Monaco double-header approaches, the anticipation builds. The race is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at 15:05 CEST, and Rowland will be looking to maintain his momentum. The stakes are high as the drivers prepare to face the challenging circuit once more, and fans are eager to see if Rowland can secure another victory.
Meanwhile, Nyck de Vries expressed his satisfaction with his performance, stating, "It’s been an incredible day for us as a team, obviously I can’t thank them enough. They executed a great race during the PIT BOOST, and chose the right moments to go for it and take the ATTACK MODE so honestly a big thanks to them."
As for Rowland's main competitors, they will need to strategize carefully if they hope to challenge him for the championship lead. With the unpredictable nature of Formula E racing, anything can happen on the streets of Monaco.
In addition to the excitement surrounding Rowland and de Vries, the race also featured a significant setback for Nico Mueller of the Andretti team. After picking up a puncture on Lap 2, Mueller's early Pit Boost stop coincided with a Full Course Yellow, allowing him to gain time on the field. However, a malfunction with the Pit Boost device ultimately hindered his performance, and he finished in fifth place.
Mueller's team principal, Roger Griffiths, confirmed that an issue with the Pit Boost sequence impacted their race strategy, stating, "We had an issue in the pit boost sequence, which ultimately ended up with [team-mate] Jake [Dennis] needing to use the FIA spare charger." This unexpected complication highlights the unpredictable elements of racing that can change the course of a race in an instant.
As the teams prepare for the second race of the weekend, all eyes will be on Rowland as he seeks to extend his championship lead. The Monaco E-Prix promises to deliver more thrilling action, and fans can expect fierce competition as the drivers navigate the challenging circuit.
