Racing thriller in the Principality: Nyck de Vries redeems Mahindra in dramatic Monaco E-Prix

The opening race of the 2026 Monaco E-Prix lived up to its promise: after a relatively calm start phase, the race on the legendary street circuit quickly developed into a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Numerous collisions, wreckage and tyre damage made for high tension and really shook up the standings over the course of the 29 laps.

In the midst of the chaos, however, one man kept a clear view: Mahindra driver Nyck de Vries. The Monegasque by choice consistently stayed out of all the drama on the track, proved to have the necessary bit of racing luck and crowned his flawless performance with the prestigious home win.

The end of a long dry spell

For de Vries, it is a historic triumph: exactly four years to the day and one day after his last success, the Dutchman was back on the top step of the podium - his fifth victory in Formula E in total.

"It's incredible, it's taken so long," said de Vries after the race, visibly relieved. "The last two years have been very strong, we have improved massively and had to wait a long time for it to finally happen. The fact that it worked out here today of all places makes it all the better"

However, this success should weigh even more heavily on his team. For Mahindra Racing, the triumph in the Principality is like a real redemption: it is the first victory for the team since the 2021 London E-Prix, when Alex Lynn was at the top of the podium. After years of drought, Mahindra has made an impressive comeback.

World Championship points in sight & pool jump as a tradition

Although the emotional relief is huge, de Vries remains focussed on the championship: "We are continuing to focus on consistently scoring points for the World Championship. But the team simply more than deserved this victory today.

Before the data analysis for the next races begins, however, the obligatory victory party is first on the agenda in the Principality - including a very special ritual. When asked how he intends to celebrate this historic success, de Vries replied with a twinkle in his eye: "I think I'll go swimming today, together with Fred (Bertrand, team principal). That is simply part of the tradition in Monaco when you win. It's a must!"

Tomorrow, Sunday, de Vries and Mahindra Racing will have the opportunity to repeat their triumph. The second race of the Monaco E-Prix is then scheduled.