Miami winner Wehrlein explains confusing final phase: "Still wanted to cross the line in 1st place"

It was difficult for spectators to comprehend what was happening at the end of Formula E's Miami E-Prix. Numerous drivers received 10-second time penalties shortly after the race because they had not used up their Attack Modes in accordance with the rules when crossing the finish line. As a result, it was not Norman Nato winning the race who crossed the line first, but world champion Pascal Wehrlein.

"I knew that the cars behind me still had an Attack Mode to complete - some of them with six minutes to go," explained Wehrlein on Formula E World TV shortly after the end of the race. "My team informed me who had six minutes left (i.e. would receive a penalty). So I was aware that Nato would still receive a penalty."

Nevertheless, it actually looked like a thrilling photo finish in the TV picture. The reason: "I still wanted to cross the line first and tried it," explains Wehrlein, "but the grip with 350 kW and all-wheel drive (which Nato used) is just so much stronger." So the Nissan accelerated faster out of the last corner and passed the Porsche driver.

WHAT. A. FINISH!! 🫨

While it is Nato who crosses the finish line first, Wehrlein takes victory after post-race penalties! #MiamiEPrix pic.twitter.com/6Egcxucerv

— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) April 12, 2025

"We've had enough bad luck recently..."

"It was a super chaotic race", summarises Wehrlein the Miami race. "I don't really know what to say. I was obviously a bit lucky with the safety car at the end, to be honest. But I think we've had enough bad luck recently - so we can be lucky for once."

At one point, Wehrlein no longer thought a good result was possible: After a contact with fellow driver David Beckmann (Kiro) in the chicane, Wehrlein felt as if the steering of his Porsche 99X Electric was bent. "I actually thought my race was over. But after two more corners, the car actually felt quite okay."

So he fought his way to the front and clinched his first win of the season - his eighth overall in Formula E. As a result, Wehrlein climbed to third place in the drivers' championship and once again has every chance of defending his title.