Formula E: Ticktum storms to Monaco pole in thrilling qualifying session

Dan Ticktum delivered a standout performance in Monte Carlo to secure his second career Julius Baer Pole Position in Formula E. F1Technical's senior writer Balazs Szabo reports from the Monaco Formula E paddock.

The British driver, racing with CUPRA KIRO in a striking blue-purple livery created in partnership with Amazon MGM Studios to promote the upcoming Masters of the Universe film, converted his passion for the principality into a decisive qualifying triumph.

Having previously won around the streets of Monaco in junior categories, Ticktum once again demonstrated his affinity for the circuit by claiming the all-important pole.

Group A was topped by Pascal Wehrlein with a 1:28.832s lap, joined in the Duels by teammate Nico Müller, DS PENSKE’s Maximilian Günther, and Ticktum, who edged into the top four by just 0.060s. Jean-Éric Vergne missed out in fifth, while Edoardo Mortara suffered a mechanical issue and failed to set a time.

Group B saw Jaguar’s Mitch Evans lead the way, narrowly ahead of de Vries by 0.038s. Antonio Felix Da Costa followed in third, with Joel Eriksson surprising many by clinching fourth. Oliver Rowland and Nick Cassidy were eliminated, while reigning Monaco winner Sébastien Buemi finished only eighth.

The opening duel saw Nico Müller face Günther. Müller, who had never started higher than 14th in Monaco, ensured a top-eight grid slot but was eliminated by Günther. Ticktum then defeated Pascal Wehrlein in a Porsche-powered showdown, denying the German a repeat of his 2024 pole.

António Félix da Costa’s rare mistake at Mirabeau handed victory to de Vries, while Mitch Evans overcame Joel Eriksson in the final Quarter Final, with the Envision driver making his first Monaco Duels appearance.

In the first Semi Final, Günther of DS PENSKE went head-to-head with Ticktum. Both drivers made minor errors, tapping the walls at points, but Ticktum emerged ahead to guarantee a front-row start. The second Semi Final featured Mitch Evans against de Vries, with the Mahindra driver progressing thanks to a rapid lap that confirmed his place in the Final.

The climax of qualifying saw Ticktum face Mahindra Racing’s Nyck de Vries. Despite brushing the barriers exiting Casino Square, Ticktum maintained his composure and flew to pole by 0.131 seconds with a lap of 1:26.551. De Vries settled for second, underlining Mahindra’s strong pace but unable to match the Briton’s precision when it mattered most.