De Vries explains: Why Formula E can indeed overtake in Monaco

Monaco is once again dedicated to racing in the coming weeks! For decades, the principality has hosted the most prestigious Formula 1 race on the calendar. The historic Grand Prix is also a regular ritual and, since last year, Formula E also calls at Monaco.

Different concept

This weekend it is the turn of the electric class to tear through the streets of the miniature state. It is the second visit of the Formula E championship, following its debut in 2021. If anything stood out last year, it was the ease with which the FE cars were able to overtake each other on the narrow streets of Monaco. This is in contrast to Formula 1, where Monaco is usually a parade: whoever qualifies first often ends up winning.

Why is it possible in Formula E, what is not possible in Formula 1? " First of all, Formula E and Formula 1 are not comparable," Mercedes driver Nyck de Vries told GPblog. The Formula E world champion explains the differences: "FE cars are smaller, they have no downforce and so it is easier to follow each other. In addition, of course, we have energy management during the race."

Lift & coast

An FE driver uses the driving technique 'lift and coast'. He tries to achieve maximum speed with minimum energy consumption. As soon as a driver has reached the maximum speed, he releases the accelerator pedal. In this way, the driver slides into the corner, as it were, while at the same time maintaining the highest possible top speed.

"Before each corner we have a phase of coasting and then we have a period where we collect energy from the engine," continues the world champion. "And only after that we start braking. In that phase it is much easier not to lift and coast, and attack your predecessor or overtake. "

DRS and more downforce

According to De Vries, these are the primary reasons why racing in Formula E is closer and there is more overtaking than in Formula 1. "F1 has to rely on DRS, much more downforce and the cars are bigger in terms of size." With that, the Dutchman implicitly indicates that even with the new regulations, it doesn't look like it's going to be a race full of overtaking on Sunday, May 29 at the Grand Prix. "Then they would have to change the whole concept, which is not happening. "

Existence

Monaco is a household name in Formula 1. Yet it is reportedly far from certain that the Grand Prix will continue to be held in the coming years. It is possible that the glamourous race will disappear at the expense of, for example, an additional race at venues where the organizers pay big money. "I think the event has enough right to exist, because it is Monaco," says De Vries.