Formula E in Miami: Nick Cassidy wins 1st free practice ahead of Felix da Costa

Nick Cassidy won the first free practice session of Formula E in Miami. The Jaguar driver beat his Porsche rival Antonio Felix da Costa by just over a tenth of a second. The Portuguese driver had almost collided with team-mate Pascal Wehrlein earlier in the session. Third on the timesheet was Taylor Barnard in the McLaren.

After the normally obligatory shakedown was cancelled due to rain, the 22 drivers took to the track for the first time ever in the first free practice session. After the usual full-course yellow practice, the two Andretti drivers initially took the double lead at the US team's home race - in special Miami livery. While a few drivers struggled with Turn 4, Oliver Rowland climbed to the top of the timesheets after ten of the 40 minutes.

Then there was a small moment of shock for Porsche: Antonio Felix da Costa approached a left-hand bend in front of his team-mate Pascal Wehrlein. At the last moment, Wehrlein dived onto the inside lane next to the Portuguese driver, who had obviously not expected the manoeuvre. There was almost a collision between the two Porsche works cars. Robin Frijns in the Envision actually collided - but just with a cone at the side of the track.

That was a close call for Wehrlein and da Costa 👀 #MiamiEPrix pic.twitter.com/kRimtanpLz

- Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) April 11, 2025

Di Grassi deliberately drives through the water

Halfway through the session, Lucas di Grassi led the field in the Lola - more than 1.2 seconds ahead of Edo Mortara and Mitch Evans. Rowland was running at full power, but took a trip through the grass. Ten minutes before the end, Evans took the lead with the first 1:24 laptime. A little later, his team-mate Nick Cassidy was even better - Jaguar obviously with a good car set-up. Di Grassi, on the other hand, complained on the radio about his set-up and even drove through two puddles on purpose - probably to cool down his tyres.

That's one way to cool your tyres down 😆💦@LucasdiGrassi 👏#MiamiEPrix pic.twitter.com/oCAOW0rvX2

— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) April 11, 2025

Felix da Costa showed that Porsche was also able to keep up with the field by taking second place. Behind him was McLaren youngster Taylor Barnard. Wehrlein improved to fifth place behind Evans, but then the clock ran out. Although several drivers were still in attack mode, Cassidy remained first and won the first session of the Miami Formula E weekend!

The Miami E-Prix continues with the second free practice session on Saturday afternoon at 1:30pm (CEST). The race starts at 8pm CEST.

Results & Times

Overall standings (drivers, teams & manufacturers)