SHERIDAN, WYOMING – April 16, 2025 - A tough race at Homestead Miami Speedway tests the resolve of DS Automobiles and PENSKE AUTOSPORT
The vibrant streets of Miami may be known for their glitz and energy, but for DS Automobiles and the PENSKE AUTOSPORT team, the fifth round of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship brought a different kind of heat. Held on the challenging asphalt of Homestead Miami Speedway, the latest Formula E showdown saw DS Automobiles wrestle with adversity while holding firm in the fiercely competitive team standings.
Mixed fortunes during qualifying and race day setbacks
Despite intensive preparations, the Miami E-Prix turned out to be a testing weekend for the French-American team. Both Jean-Éric Vergne and Maximilian Günther encountered difficulties during the qualifying session, lining up 17th and 22nd respectively on the starting grid. Yet, the duo remained undeterred.
Vergne, a two-time Formula E champion, fought his way into the top 10 before a pivotal moment in the race changed everything. “It was an unlucky race for us. I think we had a very good car. I was able to make my way back up the leaderboard, despite making a small mistake on the grass,” he said. “When it was time to activate my second Attack Mode, I was in a strong position to score points. Unfortunately, the red flag completely ruined my chances of finishing in the top 10.”
That red flag incident, caused by a mid-race pile-up, not only cost Vergne valuable time but directly impacted his teammate Günther’s day as well.
Red flag reshuffles strategy and results
The pile-up on lap 20 abruptly halted the progress of Günther, who was steadily climbing through the field with a clever race strategy focused on energy efficiency. “We had a very difficult weekend,” Günther admitted. “Qualifying didn’t match our expectations but we were still determined to run a good race with an intelligent strategy and optimal energy saving. That mission was nearly accomplished as we were close to the points before the incident that I was involved in. At the chicane, I was completely sandwiched, which really compromised the rest of my race.”
Günther, forced to restart at the back of the field after the red flag, eventually finished 17th. Vergne, having lost access to his crucial Attack Mode during the final laps, came home in 12th.
Still in the fight: fourth place in the championship
Despite leaving Miami without any points, DS PENSKE remains solid in fourth place in the team standings—just four points shy of the provisional podium. It’s a testament to the team’s consistency and determination in one of the most unpredictable racing series in motorsport.
“One race follows another in Formula E, but none of them are similar,” said Eugenio Franzetti, DS Performance Director. “After weeks of preparation, we didn’t manage to meet the ambitious targets that we had set for ourselves in Miami. But that’s motorsport for you! The team still hangs on to fourth place in the overall standings, although we were aiming for much more. One thing is sure: we’re going to be working harder than ever to bounce back strongly in Monaco!”
Eyes on Monaco: The season’s most prestigious double-header awaits
With the Miami chapter now closed, all attention turns to the next electrifying challenge: the glamorous streets of Monaco. Scheduled for May 3–4, the double-header in the principality promises to be the highlight of the Formula E calendar, offering DS Automobiles the perfect opportunity for redemption.
From high-speed straights to tight hairpins, Monaco’s iconic street circuit will push every team and driver to their limits. For DS PENSKE, it’s more than just a race—it’s a shot at glory.
Proven success, strong legacy
Since entering the Formula E series, DS Automobiles has made a lasting impact on the sport:
- 126 races
- 4 championship titles
- 17 victories
- 52 podium finishes
- 25 pole positions
These stats underscore the brand’s commitment to innovation and performance in the electric era of racing.
Stay connected and follow the journey
To learn more about DS Automobiles’ Formula E campaign and their cutting-edge electric vehicle technology, visit www.dsautomobiles.com.
As the countdown to Monaco begins, one thing is certain—DS Automobiles is ready to rise, race, and reclaim the momentum.