Vergne Frustrated with Fourth-Place Finish in Monaco Formula E Thriller
In the latest Formula E installment, held in the picturesque setting of Monaco, Jean-Eric Vergne finished a frustrating fourth, hot on the heels of DS Penske partner Stoffel Vandoorne throughout the 31-lap contest. This outcome has significant implications for the Formula E standings.
The French driver was left ruing the missed opportunity to challenge for the win, as both Nick Cassidy and Mitch Evans expertly executed their strategy, utilizing Attack Modes to secure a Jaguar 1-2 finish. Vergne felt that he should have been allowed to pass Vandoorne to launch his own assault on the top spot, but instead, he was left to shadow his teammate.
“I would have definitely tried something, I would definitely not have let the Jaguar drivers play their games and smoke their cigars,” Vergne expressed to Autosport. “Clearly if he [Vandoorne] cannot pass, I wanted to have a go and if I could not pass either I would have happily let him by again.”
Vandoorne’s podium finish marked his first in Formula E since securing the all-electric title with Mercedes in Seoul in 2022. The Belgian driver reflected on the pivotal moment in the race, which ultimately led to the final outcome.
“We really managed the first part of the race very good and actually took control of the race before taking my first Attack Mode, still being in the lead with both Jaguars behind who hadn’t taken either of them,” Vandoorne explained. “So I think it was a good stage of the race and then where I feel like we lost the race is when I took the second [Attack Mode].”
Mitch Evans, the eventual winner, attributed his success to teammate Cassidy’s selfless strategy, which allowed him to take the chequered flag in Monaco. Meanwhile, polesitter Pascal Wehrlein, who currently leads the Formula E championship, was left to settle for fifth place after taking his first Attack Mode early, losing valuable positions in the process.
“They played the game super well, opening up the gaps to each other, blocking the road side-by-side so I guess that’s the benefit if you have both cars in the front,” Wehrlein acknowledged.
As the Formula E calendar moves on to its next installment, teams will be scrutinizing their strategies to maximize their chances of success. With the Monaco round now in the books, the focus shifts to the upcoming races, where drivers will be vying for crucial points in the Formula E standings. The 2023 season is shaping up to be an intense battle, and fans can expect more thrilling action in the world of electric racing.
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