Nico Müller Seizes Pole Position as Formula E Returns to Miami at Hard Rock Stadium
Porsche driver Nico Müller secured the first-ever Julius Baer Pole Position at the new Miami International Autodrome layout today, navigating a chaotic qualifying session marked by high temperatures and the elimination of several championship favorites. The Swiss driver mastered the 2.32km circuit around Hard Rock Stadium to deny Andretti rookie Felipe Drugovich in the final duel, setting the stage for round three of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
The event marks Formula E’s return to the “Magic City” for Season 12, following a relocation from the Homestead-Miami Speedway. While the move to the Miami International Autodrome—which also hosts Formula 1—brings the electric series closer to the city center, the specific track configuration has drawn sharp criticism from drivers. The series is utilizing a modified “national” layout rather than the full Grand Prix circuit, resulting in exceptionally short lap times of approximately 55 seconds.
Antonio Félix da Costa, who drives for Porsche, voiced significant objections regarding the circuit’s design. Da Costa described the layout as “too short” and compared the sub-minute lap times to his experiences in go-karts. “I’m not the FIA, I’m not Formula E, and I’m not involved in those governing bodies when it comes to deciding track layouts. But I hope there must be a reason for the track to be that short,” da Costa stated, adding that he intends to offer “constructive criticism” to officials.
Despite the controversy over the track length, the event showcases the debut of the GEN3 Evo cars in Miami. These vehicles feature acceleration capabilities of 0-60 mph in roughly 1.8 seconds, a figure officials highlight as being 30% faster than current Formula 1 machinery. The race weekend also features a headline performance by global Latin music star Farruko, aiming to blend motorsport with Miami’s entertainment culture.
The qualifying session saw significant upsets, with reigning World Champion Oliver Rowland eliminated in the group stages alongside title contenders Jake Dennis and Pascal Wehrlein. Müller’s pole position earns him three championship points, but he faces a tactical challenge over 39 laps of energy management on the controversial new layout.
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