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Maserati MSG Racing Faces Qualifying Challenges At Monaco E-Prix Amidst Tough Conditions
Maserati MSG Racing faced challenges during the first race of the Monaco E-Prix double header. Despite not achieving their desired start, the team gathered valuable insights for the next race. Stoffel Vandoorne and Jake Hughes struggled with tyre temperatures, affecting their qualifying performance. Both drivers aimed to improve their positions during the race, with Vandoorne finishing ninth and Hughes seventeenth.
Vandoorne encountered a minor issue in Free Practice Two, which delayed his preparations. This setback meant he entered Group Qualifying with less data than others. Despite these challenges, he managed to secure a ninth-place finish, gaining four positions during the race. His fastest lap was 1:28.777, placing him 14th in the championship with 18 points.
Both drivers found it difficult to get their Hankook tyres to optimal temperature, impacting their ability to perform well in Group B qualifying. As a result, neither advanced to the duels. The team had to adjust their strategy, focusing on efficient movement through the field and energy conservation.
Hughes started from 21st position after qualifying with a time of 1:29.492. He gained four positions during the race but ultimately finished 17th due to strategic setbacks and incidents on track. His fastest lap was recorded at 1:29.940, placing him ninth in the championship standings with 27 points.
The race saw multiple incidents that brought out full course yellows. Both drivers navigated these challenges with minimal impact on their cars. Hughes experienced light contact with Lola’s Maloney, resulting in minor damage to his front wing but continued racing.
Hughes initially seemed poised for a strong finish by conserving energy early on, similar to his Miami strategy. However, as pit stops shuffled grid positions and neutralised the race, he fell back to 17th place despite using his Attack Mode effectively in the final laps.
Team Reflections and Future Plans
Cyril Blais, Team Principal of Maserati MSG Racing, acknowledged that starting too far back was a key issue needing attention before the next race day. He emphasised maximising available resources during races while addressing areas for improvement.
Maria Conti highlighted Monaco's significance for Maserati due to its historical victories there in Formula 1 races from past decades. She expressed optimism about future opportunities for redemption at this iconic track where Maserati has deep roots.
Maserati S.p.A., known globally for its unique cars characterised by style and technology excellence across over seventy markets worldwide continues its mission towards luxury mobility innovation under Stellantis' strategic plan "Dare Forward 2030".
Maserati MSG Racing remains committed as one of FIA Formula E World Championship's founding teams since joining motorsport’s premier fully-electric category back in December 2013; they strive towards sustainability alongside technical innovation within this competitive arena led by Cyril Blais.
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