McLaren’s rookie sensation Taylor Barnard claimed sensational 2025 Monaco E-Prix pole position amid high tension and unexpected incidents in Formula E qualifying.
The qualifying format which features a combination of group stages and knockout duels provided a thrilling spectacle on the iconic streets of Monte Carlo setting the stage for a fiercely competitive race weekend.
Qualifying began with the traditional split into two groups, each driver aiming to set a fast enough lap to progress to the Monaco E-Prix pole shootout duels.
Early signs of competitiveness were evident as Dan Ticktum driving for Cupra Kiro topped both practice sessions, narrowly edging out reigning world champion Pascal Wehrlein in his Porsche-powered machine in FP1 and Andretti’s Jake Dennis in FP2.
The Monaco Formula E qualifying group stages saw favorites and underdogs alike battling for supremacy. Championship leader Oliver Rowland set a strong benchmark in Group A with a time of 1:28.713.
However, Dan Ticktum who had already shown his intent in practice managed to go even quicker in Group B, underlining the competitive threat posed by the Cupra Kiro team.
As the fastest drivers from each group advanced the stage was set for the duels where the pressure would intensify and mistakes could prove costly.
In the quarter-finals, Taylor Barnard faced off against last season’s Monaco winner Mitch Evans. Barnard who had already claimed a pole earlier in the season at Jeddah delivered a composed and rapid lap to eliminate Evans, signaling his intent to challenge for the top spot.
Meanwhile, Oliver Rowland dispatched reigning champion Pascal Wehrlein in a high-stakes duel further cementing his reputation as the man to beat this season.
The other quarter-finals saw Nyck de Vries overcome Jake Dennis while Dan Ticktum edged out Robin Frijns, setting up a tantalizing set of semi-final matchups.
The semi-finals brought together four drivers in peak form. Taylor Barnard faced Ticktum and once again the McLaren rookie rose to the occasion posting a staggering 1:26.315, the fastest lap of the session, to book his place in the final.
On the other side, Rowland continued his impressive run by defeating de Vries setting up a showdown between the championship leader and the rookie sensation for Monaco E-Prix pole position.
The final duel was anticipated as a clash of titans with Rowland’s experience and championship pedigree pitted against Barnard’s youthful exuberance and raw speed.
However, the contest was decided in dramatic fashion almost as soon as it began. As the cars charged into Sainte Devote, the first corner, Rowland pushed hard to gain an early advantage but made heavy contact with the wall on the exit.
The impact was significant, effectively ending his challenge and allowing Barnard to cruise to Monaco E-Prix pole position without needing to push to the limit.
This incident not only handed Barnard his second career pole in Formula E but also marked a significant moment for McLaren, coming just days after the team announced its impending exit from the series at the end of the season.
Barnard’s achievement was all the more remarkable given the circumstances. As a rookie, to secure pole at Monaco-one of motorsport’s most prestigious venues-demonstrated both his composure under pressure and his raw pace.
The result also earned him three valuable championship points, a crucial boost as the season approaches its midpoint.
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Behind the front row, Dan Ticktum’s strong performance continued as he secured third on the grid, a testament to both his skill and the progress of the Cupra Kiro team.
De Vries claimed fourth while reigning champion Pascal Wehrlein had to settle for fifth, having been unable to match the pace of the front runners in the knockout stages. Robin Frijns of Envision lined up sixth followed by Jake Dennis in seventh for Andretti and Mitch Evans in eighth for Jaguar.
Edoardo Mortara and Maximilian Günther rounded out the top ten, ensuring a competitive mix of teams and drivers at the sharp end of the grid.
The middle of the grid featured a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents. David Beckmann in the second Cupra Kiro took 11th just ahead of McLaren’s Sam Bird.
Stoffel Vandoorne could only manage 13th for Maserati while Nico Müller placed 14th for Andretti. Notably, Antonio Felix da Costa endured a difficult session and could only secure 15th for Porsche, a result that would leave him with work to do in the race.
Further down the order, Jean-Eric Vergne found himself in 16th for DS Penske while Lucas di Grassi took 17th for Lola Yamaha ABT. Norman Nato was 18th ahead of Nick Cassidy who suffered a disappointing session to qualify 19th for Jaguar.
The final rows of the grid saw Sebastian Buemi in twentieth for Envision, Jake Hughes in twenty-first for Maserati and Zane Maloney in twenty-second for Lola Yamaha ABT.
