Last weekend, Formula E took on the full Circuit de Monaco and demonstrated that high-quality single-seater racing remains achievable at this iconic venue.
For too long, Formula 1 has struggled to deliver thrilling races at the iconic Circuit de Monaco, prompting growing calls from fans to drop the historic venue from the calendar. With its narrow streets leaving little room for overtaking, F1 has faced limitations in enhancing the track layout to spice up the action.
But as F1 gears up for its annual Monaco spectacle next month, Formula E’s recent race on the same circuit has showcased a different story. Despite being 17 seconds slower on a hot lap compared to F1, Formula E has proven that Monaco remains one of the most exhilarating circuits in the world.
Last weekend’s Formula E race saw a staggering 197 overtakes, captivating thousands of spectators in the packed grandstands – the same ones used during F1 events. With Mitch Evans claiming victory in just over 58 minutes, the contrast with last season’s Monaco Grand Prix, which featured a mere 22 overtakes, highlights Formula E’s ability to deliver edge-of-your-seat racing.
So, what’s Formula E’s secret? It’s all in the details. Unlike F1, Formula E cars use all-weather road tyres, providing less grip and making overtaking easier. Additionally, Formula E cars have lower downforce, facilitating closer racing.
But perhaps the most significant difference lies in the size of the cars. Formula E machines are shorter and narrower than their F1 counterparts, allowing for smoother maneuverability on Monaco’s tight corners.
As Formula E gears up to introduce its next-generation car, which promises even faster acceleration than current F1 cars, it begs the question: has F1 outgrown Monaco? While the thrill of Monaco qualifying remains unparalleled in F1, the key to exciting racing at this legendary venue may lie in adopting shorter and narrower cars in the future.
Monaco is undeniably F1’s crown jewel, but if the series hopes to see more overtaking at the event in the years to come, significant changes to the technical regulations may be necessary.
