Buemi & Summerville Win ABB FIA Formula E Miami EPrix 2024

A remarkable drive through the field in Miami saw driver Sebastien Buemi overcome challenging, damp conditions and a starting position at the very back of the grid to finish seventh in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship race. Buemi’s performance was a masterclass in energy management and strategic deployment of the ‘ATTACK MODE’ feature, ultimately securing valuable points despite the unusual circumstances.

A Race of Strategic Splits

The Miami E-Prix was immediately complicated by the damp track, causing a split in strategy among the drivers. Those who opted for an early activation of ATTACK MODE – which provides a temporary power boost and four-wheel drive – gained an advantage in the slippery conditions. However, this aggressive approach came at a cost, as it required greater energy expenditure. Buemi, starting 20th due to penalties for impeding other drivers in qualifying, found himself in a congested pack, needing to carefully conserve energy while observing how the race unfolded.

The Perils of the Midfield

The most precarious position in the race was the midfield. Drivers who delayed using ATTACK MODE risked becoming trapped in a slow-moving group, unable to effectively save energy due to the constant overtaking and defending. Buemi recognized this danger and prioritized energy conservation in the early laps, steadily making progress as other drivers struggled with dry-biased setups that proved ineffective on the damp track.

Did You Know? Saudi Arabia has been a staple of the Formula E calendar since Season 5, with the Jeddah Corniche Circuit hosting races since last season.

Buemi maintained an energy consumption rate of 2.3–2.5% per lap, aligning with the race median, while those further up the grid, particularly early ATTACK MODE users, spent energy more freely. This approach allowed him to play a ‘long game,’ gradually picking off competitors without utilizing his own ATTACK MODE.

Late-Race Surge Secures Seventh Place

As the race progressed, Buemi’s teammate, Joel Eriksson, found himself in contention for the lead, but was using 4% more energy per lap than Buemi. This energy advantage allowed Buemi to increase his pace in the second half of the race, still with ATTACK MODE deployments in reserve. He benefited from a collision between Felipe Drugovich and Antonio Felix da Costa, and successfully defended against Jake Dennis, who had also been recovering from the back of the grid.

Entering the final laps in ninth place, Buemi unleashed two consecutive ATTACK MODE activations. Crucially, he had significantly more reserve energy than his rivals – some had only a couple of minutes remaining, and others were experiencing battery limitations. This allowed him to overtake Pepe Marti and then, dramatically, pass a struggling Antonio Felix da Costa on the final corner to claim seventh place, narrowly missing out on sixth from Edoardo Mortara.

Expert Insight: Buemi’s success highlights the critical importance of strategic energy management in Formula E. The ability to conserve energy early in the race, while maintaining a competitive pace, allowed him to capitalize on opportunities in the closing laps when others were running low on power.

Considering the significant spread in the field throughout the race, Buemi’s climb from last place was particularly impressive. The performances of Jake Dennis (finishing 10th from 15th) and Lucas di Grassi (13th from a back-row start) demonstrated that progress was not guaranteed.

Looking Ahead: Jeddah E-Prix

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship now heads to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for a double-header race weekend on February 13 and 14. The Jeddah Corniche Circuit will also see the return of the PIT BOOST feature. Free practise begins on February 12, with qualifying and races scheduled for February 13 and 14. The Jeddah event will also feature the return of EVO Sessions, showcasing the next generation of drivers on the GEN3 Evo car.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the unusual race conditions in Miami?

Damp track conditions split the field early in the race, creating a strategic challenge for the drivers.

What is ‘ATTACK MODE’ in Formula E?

ATTACK MODE provides a temporary power boost and four-wheel drive, but requires drivers to activate it by driving through a designated zone off the racing line.

When and where will the next Formula E races take place?

The next races will be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on February 13 and 14.

Given the complexities of Formula E racing, and the ever-present need for adaptability, what role do you think weather conditions will play in the outcome of the Jeddah E-Prix?