The excitement of the Miami E-Prix reached new heights on Saturday as Porsche works team driver Nico Muller achieved a significant career milestone during the qualifying session. The 33-year-old Swiss driver secured his very first pole position in Formula E, marking a memorable moment in his racing journey.
A Historic Pole Position Achievement
Nico Muller became the 33rd different driver in Formula E history to claim pole position, accomplishing this feat on his 64th attempt. His journey in the electric racing championship began in the 2019–20 season with GEOX Dragon, which later transformed into DS Penske. After stints with ABT Cupra in 2022 and Andretti in 2024, Muller joined the prestigious Porsche works team for Season 12, where he has now delivered this breakthrough performance.
Qualifying Drama and Front Row Lineup
Muller will be joined on the front row by Andretti rookie Felipe Drugovich, who impressed with a second-place finish in qualifying. The qualifying session saw intense competition as eight drivers advanced to the quarterfinals: Muller, Mahindra Racing's Nyck de Vries, Citroen Racing's Nick Cassidy, Nissan driver Norman Nato, Jaguar TCS Racing's Antonio Félix da Costa, Drugovich, DS Penske's Taylor Barnard, and Envision Racing's Joel Eriksson.
From this group, Muller, de Vries, Felix da Costa, and Drugovich progressed to the semifinals. The final duel between Muller and Drugovich culminated in Muller's pole position victory, setting the stage for an exciting race start.
Notable Qualifying Eliminations and Grid Positions
The qualifying session wasn't without disappointment for some drivers. Dan Ticktum, who had topped the first free practice session (FP1), was eliminated and expressed frustration over team radio. Envision Racing's Sebastien Buemi also faced elimination and will serve a three-place grid penalty during the race.
Taylor Barnard, who led the second free practice session (FP2), will begin the race from fifth position on the grid. Joel Eriksson made his first career Duel-stage appearance at this Miami E-Prix, adding to the event's significance for emerging talents.
Race Day Expectations and Challenges
The Miami E-Prix race is scheduled to commence at 2:05 p.m. local time, with weather forecasts indicating rain could influence the event. Drivers will complete 39 laps around the brand-new Miami International Autodrome, a circuit located around the iconic Hard Rock Stadium.
With teams having benefited from a Rookie Free Practice session and the circuit being unfamiliar to most competitors, the race presents unique challenges. The combination of wet conditions and a new track layout means drivers will need to demonstrate exceptional skill and adaptability to master the conditions.
As Round 3 of the Miami E-Prix approaches, all eyes will be on whether Nico Muller can convert his pole position into a race victory or if other contenders like Felipe Drugovich, Nyck de Vries, or Antonio Félix da Costa can challenge for the top spot in what promises to be an unpredictable and thrilling electric racing spectacle.
