Sébastien Buemi returns to the Monaco E-Prix with Envision Racing aiming to build on one of the team’s strongest Formula E memories. The Swiss driver won last season’s Monaco E-Prix from eighth on the grid in wet conditions, securing his 14th Formula E victory and becoming a three-time winner in the Principality.
That success also gave Envision Racing its second win on the famous streets of Monte Carlo. Now, as Formula E heads into Rounds 9 and 10 of Season 12, Buemi arrives with another opportunity to score valuable points and strengthen the team’s campaign.
A special challenge in Monaco
Speaking to Pit Debrief ahead of the Monaco E-Prix, Buemi explained why the venue remains one of the most demanding on the calendar.
“I think it’s a special challenge because the track is a big challenge here, you know. It’s not an easy track, and it’s a different schedule to what we currently are used to. We have everything happening on a Saturday, FP1, FP2 and qualifying, so no margin for errors.”
“You need to build up your confidence, it’s not going to be easy. But again, I’m looking forward, and I feel really honoured and happy to get the opportunity to drive here. It’s going to be the 14th year that I’m racing around the circuit.”
“I actually did the calculation because I saw Lucas’ [di Grassi] post saying it’s his 14th time, and it’s also my 14th time. It’s good to be here.”
Reflecting on Formula E’s evolution
Buemi has witnessed Formula E’s growth from its earliest seasons, including the shift away from the original mid-race car swaps. When asked about the biggest development he had seen in the championship, he pointed to that change.
“I think the biggest one was obviously going from two cars to one car.”
After being told that Lucas di Grassi had said he missed the athleticism of jumping between cars, Buemi added:
“I mean, if you really speak about performance, that’s really the big step we’ve seen. Of course, now the cars are just getting faster and more efficient. But I think for me, if I have to say one thing, it’s the jump from two cars to one.”
Envision look to rebound after Berlin
Envision Racing arrive in Monaco after a mixed weekend in Berlin. Buemi endured a difficult opening race but responded with a stronger second outing, narrowly missing the podium with fourth place.
With Pit Boost set to feature on Saturday but not on Sunday, strategy could shape the double-header differently across the two races. Buemi kept his expectations straightforward.
“I just hope we’re going to have a strong weekend and score good points. It’s true that Berlin was a mixed feeling. We had a bad first race, but we did have a strong second race.”
“I guess we’ll see.”
Qualifying remains key
Monaco traditionally places huge emphasis on qualifying, and Formula E’s tight margins make track position even more important around the narrow streets. While Buemi did not name a specific target beyond the obvious, he made clear that a strong starting position would matter.
“No, I guess starting in the top five would be good.”
With two wins for Envision Racing in Monaco across the last three seasons and Buemi’s own record at the venue, the team head into the weekend with confidence. However, the Swiss driver knows execution will matter from the first lap of practice, especially on a circuit where mistakes leave little room for recovery.
