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That word is home. And there’s no place like it.
The concept of a home is abstract. It can be physical, it could be an emotion, it might be absolute, and it may even hold imperfections.
But the definition and diversity of home is what makes it beautiful. We all have our own association, and our own meaning. Home is wherever we want it to be, whatever we want it to be, and that’s a powerful and intimate idea.
This weekend, Formula E will return to the home of Maserati MSG Racing – the streets of Monaco – to add to the circuit’s world-renowned legacy of almost one century.
It’s the crown jewel of the championship, and the race we all want to win. This is what you should watch out for at the 2024 Monaco E-Prix.
Since Season 10 resumed in March, Formula E has seen a run of peloton races, first in São Paulo and most recently at Misano, and it comes down to one single factor: energy sensitivity.
Given that energy consumption and management form the foundations of strategy, a circuit’s sensitivity level defines and dictates performance more than any other factor.
The peloton stems from a circuit with high sensitivity, while strategic, track position-led races – like those seen in Mexico City, Diriyah, and Tokyo – come from a low sensitivity track.
Monaco, however, is different. It has a moderate sensitivity level, which will create a hybrid form of competition, adopting the best of both racing styles to meet in the middle.
Because of Monaco’s longer straights, energy management will still be a factor. Slipstreaming, while not a key component, will also influence efficiency. Overtaking will always play a role.
Simply put, what we’re facing is an intriguing performance puzzle – an environment where countless areas must unite and align if we want to achieve the ultimate prize.
It’s a truly thrilling prospect, and it’s something everyone must pay attention to this weekend.
Earlier in 2024 at the São Paulo E-Prix, the world watched on as Maximilian Günther staged the recovery drive of the season, fighting forward from a 40-place grid penalty to finish ninth in Brazil.
The performance shows that while important, Qualifying isn’t necessarily the be all and end all in Formula E, but this doesn’t mean that starting high should be undervalued.
In fact, performing well in Qualifying only opens opportunities in the race. And on the contrary, it also reduces and mitigates jeopardy.
Starting from the rear of the pack in Formula E only increases the percentage of risk. Stress, pressure, and the probability of being involved in an accident also rise.
In Monaco, where barriers line every inch of track, this is especially the case and starting inside the top 10 – on a track where the margins are fine – will be critical if drivers are to compete for points.
From the grid to the race start, Qualifying transcends into track position, and on a circuit like Monaco, track position can be king.
In Japan, we saw Max bend track position to his advantage, and by consuming energy to build a buffer to take his second Attack Mode, he delivered a knockout blow to win the Tokyo E-Prix.
In Monaco, holding track position will once again be integral in the race, and especially from a strategic perspective, maintaining position while taking Attack Mode is critical.
During the race, pay close attention to gaps throughout the grid, and watch for teams consuming energy with the hope of opening a gap over their closest competitors.
It’s a high-stakes and well calculated process with potentially unlimited rewards if executed correctly.
Thanks to Formula One, Monaco has earned an unshiftable reputation as a circuit that is impossible to overtake on but year in, year out, Formula E has consistently disproven this point.
Since starting to race on the circuit’s full configuration in 2021, the Principality has been the site of some of Formula E’s most exciting and most memorable races.
There are countless overtaking opportunities every single lap, but to be in the best position to pass another driver, holding an energy advantage over nearby competitors will be instrumental.
To do this, teams will consistently attempt to expose strategic weaknesses on their rivals, the results of which will be most visible at the end of the race.
Pay close attention to Turns One, Six and 10 which will be a hive of activity on race day.
When motor racing teams compete on home ground, there’s a common thought movement which claims that pressure rises as a result. We disagree – that’s a misconception.
Given that our team headquarters are located just over 500 metres from the start-finish straight, it’s fair to say that we’ll be racing in an environment we’re incredibly familiar with.
Combining this familiarity with our current momentum breeds a state of calm but quiet confidence. We’re ready to take on any challenge, and we’re well adapted to do so.
When we say it, we mean it: there really is no place like home.
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