Wet conditions and strategic battles shape Formula E’s first-ever race at the Miami International Autodrome, with Jaguar on top and Porsche locking out the podium chase
It was the very first time Formula E raced in the newly shorter approved configurations at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium International Autodrome, and the historic debut could not have delivered a more dramatic script. Under challenging wet conditions, Mitch Evans emerged as the great winner of the Miami E-Prix, Round 3 of the 2025/26 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, securing Jaguar TCS Racing’s first victory of the season.
The Sunshine State was hit by changeable weather throughout the weekend, with rainfall intensifying ahead of the race start and transforming the 41-lap contest into a true test of control, adaptability and energy management. From the opening laps, it was clear that survival and smart decision-making would be just as important as outright pace.
Evans’ recovery drive defines the Miami E-Prix
Starting ninth on the grid and still without points in Season 12, Mitch Evans faced a demanding afternoon. The race began behind the Safety Car due to the amount of standing water on the circuit, with polesitter Nico Müller leading the field once green flag conditions were declared.
As the race settled, Andretti Formula E’s Felipe Drugovich made an immediate impact by activating Attack Mode early, using the extra power and all-wheel drive to take the lead in the wet. The move briefly reshuffled the order and highlighted how aggressive strategy could pay off on a slippery track.
Müller soon regained control after the first round of Attack Mode activations, but worsening weather conditions increased the likelihood of mistakes. A critical incident between Drugovich and Jaguar TCS Racing’s António Félix da Costa eliminated both drivers from contention, clearing the way for those who had managed to stay clean.
Evans capitalised perfectly. Gradually climbing through the field, the New Zealander positioned himself inside the top three before executing the decisive move on Lap 27. With a perfectly timed switchback, he outfoxed Müller and took the lead, controlling the pace from that point onward.
Managing energy efficiently through the final Attack Mode activations, Evans built a comfortable gap and crossed the chequered flag 3.1 seconds clear of the field. The victory marked his 15th career Formula E win, a new record, and also saw him surpass the 1,000-point milestone in the championship.
“It’s special to have this record for the most wins,” Evans said. “I’m still missing the big one, the championship, but this is a huge testament to the team. Hopefully this marks a good restart to our season.”
Porsche secures double podium with Müller and Wehrlein
Despite missing out on victory, Porsche left Miami with a strong statement. Nico Müller finished second, securing his first podium of the season and his first since joining the German manufacturer. The result represented an important personal milestone and confirmed Porsche’s competitiveness across varying conditions.
Pascal Wehrlein completed the podium in third after charging forward from 11th on the grid. His recovery drive further reinforced Porsche’s consistency and helped extend the brand’s advantage in both the Teams’ and Manufacturers’ championships.
Behind the podium finishers, Joel Eriksson recorded a career-best fourth place for Envision Racing. Mahindra Racing also enjoyed a solid afternoon, with Nyck de Vries finishing fifth and Edo Mortara sixth. Reigning world champion Oliver Rowland struggled to make progress in the wet and finished 12th for Nissan Formula E Team.
Although he finished 16th and failed to score, Mexico City winner Nick Cassidy continues to lead the Drivers’ Championship on 40 points, just ahead of Wehrlein on 38. Porsche’s double podium allowed the team to strengthen its hold at the top of the overall standings.
Mixed fortunes for the home teams
Racing on home soil, Andretti Formula E showed encouraging speed across the weekend. Felipe Drugovich delivered a standout qualifying performance by reaching the Final Duel and securing his first front-row start in Formula E, as well as Andretti’s 28th overall. In the race, the Brazilian briefly led following his early Attack Mode activation but suffered damage in a Lap 26 collision and received a penalty, eventually finishing 18th.
Jake Dennis recovered well from 15th on the grid, opting for an energy-saving approach and late Attack Mode activations to climb into the top ten and score a point. Andretti leaves Miami fourth in the Teams’ Championship with 37 points.
CUPRA KIRO also secured points in front of its home crowd. Rookie Pepe Martí finished ninth, claiming his second consecutive points result in his debut Formula E season. After starting 13th, Martí maintained a consistent pace and used both Attack Modes late in the race to secure a hard-fought top-ten finish.
Dan Ticktum’s race was more complicated. Despite topping FP1, he struggled for grip in qualifying and started 18th. A strategic decision to begin the race with dry tyre pressures did not pay off as rain persisted, forcing his eventual retirement.
Penske experienced a weekend of contrasting emotions. Taylor Barnard impressed in free practice by setting the fastest times in both FP1 and FP2 and qualified strongly in fifth. However, he dropped back during the race and finished 14th. His team-mate was the final classified finisher in 19th, ahead only of Ticktum, who failed to reach the chequered flag.
A new circuit and the road ahead
The Miami International Autodrome marks Formula E’s third venue in the city but its first around the Hard Rock Stadium. Measuring 2.32 kilometres and featuring 14 corners, the circuit combines technical sections with faster sequences and proved particularly demanding in wet conditions. The venue had previously hosted the EVO Sessions in 2025, but its competitive debut delivered an uncompromising challenge.
With the Miami E-Prix complete, Formula E now heads to Saudi Arabia for the next chapter of Season 12. The championship resumes with a double-header in Jeddah on February 13 and 14, where the title fight is set to intensify under the lights of the Red Sea coast.
