Oliver Rowland delivered a sparkling performance on the streets of Monte Carlo to take victory in a wild and dramatic Monaco E-Prix, extending his Formula E world championship lead. On a race sullied by strategic risk, crashes, penalties and last-lap drama, it was the Nissan driver who emerged victorious after a merciless late-race battle with Nyck de Vries and Jake Dennis.
The anticipation was electric even before the lights went out, as 20-year-old Taylor Barnard began from pole position with the chance to become the youngest ever Formula E race winner. Championship leader Rowland, who started from second despite a crash in the final moments of qualifying, had other ideas — and despite early technical concerns, showed his class once again.
Fast Start and Early Chaos
As the race got underway, Barnard had a good start, holding the lead into Sainte Dévote. Behind him, chaos erupted right away: Dan Ticktum was outbattled by Nyck de Vries through the opening corners, while Pascal Wehrlein engaged in a spirited scrap with reigning world champion Jake Dennis.
Cassidy Charges Forward — Then Falters
The early stages brought mixed fortunes for the leaders. Rowland’s car was making ominous noises, likely a legacy of his qualifying crash, but he clung to second place. Nick Cassidy, meanwhile, was slicing through the field in attack mode, moving from 19th on the grid to a stunning sixth place by lap 7. Cassidy’s aggressive pace, however, came at a cost — a drastic energy deficit began to show as the race progressed.
Ticktum’s Unraveling, da Costa Crashes Out
Dan Ticktum, who had been looking so good until now today with the fastest laps in all practice sessions and in group qualifying, began to unravel. Passed by Wehrlein and then making a mess of a pass on Robin Frijns with an awkward overtake, Ticktum dropped out of contention to cross a dejected seventh.
The first major incident came on lap 9 when António Félix da Costa ended up in the wall after a three-car collision with David Beckmann and Edoardo Mortara. The resulting full-course yellow provided some drivers, such as Nico Müller, with the chance to pit and recharge amidst the chaos.
Barnard’s Dream Ends in the Wall
When the action resumed, Dennis attacked Wehrlein and De Vries, and Rowland made his move on Barnard. The teen battled gamely but was forced to cut the chicane on consecutive laps, ultimately handing the lead to Rowland. Not long after, Barnard’s fairy tale ended with a bang of his own — a disappointing conclusion to what had otherwise been a stellar weekend.
Energy Games Begin Under Monaco’s Lights
Strategy and timing came to the forefront as teams juggled attack mode activations and energy management. Those who had refueled under the earlier yellow flags — including Müller — began to rise up the order as others pitted. Müller assumed the net race lead on lap 20 from Cassidy and Rowland.
Cassidy’s energy shortfall, however, was terminal. Despite his early heroics, the Jaguar driver fell like a stone in the last laps to finish in a miserable 18th. Team-mate Mitch Evans fared no better, claiming 20th after a stoppage denied him any chance of points.
Final Battle: Rowland vs. De Vries vs. Dennis
Up front, the final laps provided high drama. De Vries, revitalized in recent races, got past Müller and then led briefly, only to be reeled back in by Rowland, who seized his opportunity after the tunnel with attack mode still active. Dennis, meanwhile, had carved his way into podium contention — but a five-second penalty for speeding under yellow appeared set to undo all his good work.
Enter Nico Müller — the Swiss driver, who played the ultimate team game for Andretti. After dropping behind Dennis, he held off Mortara just long enough to preserve Dennis’ third place despite the penalty. It was a selfless move that cost Müller fifth place in the final metres.
Rowland Victorious as Monaco Delivers Again
When the chequered flag finally fell after a one lap extension to 30 laps, it was Rowland who crossed the line first, having immaculately controlled his energy and strategy.
De Vries finished second, another good result in his comeback season, while Dennis — thanks to Müller’s heroics — clung on for third. Behind them, Mortara was fourth, Müller fifth, and Wehrlein a strong sixth as the best-placed German. Ticktum’s slide brought him home seventh, with Frijns, Vandoorne, and Günther completing the points.
Jaguar in Crisis as Championship Slips Away
Monaco once again proved itself to be the jewel in Formula E’s crown, not just in terms of location, but also in drama. With passes through the tunnel, drama at the swimming pool chicane, and heartbreak in the final corners, the principality played host to a classic that will be remembered for many years to come.
As the dust settles, one thing is for sure: Oliver Rowland is not just the man in form — he’s now the man to beat in the 2025 championship.