Buemi’s Miami Comeback: Strategy Seals ABB Award | Formula E

Buemi’s Miami Resilience: A Strategic Climb Through the Formula E Field

Sebastien Buemi delivered a compelling performance at the Miami E-Prix, overcoming a challenging starting position to secure a seventh-place finish. The Envision Racing driver’s methodical climb from 20th on the grid showcased a masterful understanding of energy management and strategic deployment of ATTACK MODE in unusual, damp conditions that split the field early in the race.

The damp track created a unique dynamic, as drivers who activated ATTACK MODE early benefited from the extra power and traction offered by the four-wheel-drive system, despite the compromised grip. This early split in strategy effectively created two races within one, limiting the potential for progress for those who didn’t commit immediately. Buemi, hampered by penalties that relegated him to the back of the grid, was forced to navigate a delicate balance between conserving energy and making meaningful progress.

Buemi’s early laps were focused on energy conservation, yet he still managed to gain positions as other drivers pursuing a dry-biased setup struggled with the persistent dampness. Within the first few laps, he had already moved up several spots without significantly depleting his energy reserves. He maintained a consistent energy expenditure of 2.3–2.5% per lap, aligning with the race median, while drivers further ahead, particularly those who had activated ATTACK MODE early, consumed energy more freely.

The race presented several strategic options, with the most perilous being stuck in the midfield – unable to commit to an early ATTACK MODE deployment, yet unable to conserve enough energy to make a late-race push. Buemi successfully avoided this trap, carefully picking off drivers and gradually edging closer to the points-paying positions.

By mid-race, teammate Joel Eriksson was part of the lead group, but was 4% worse off in energy consumption than Buemi. This energy advantage allowed Buemi to increase his pace and begin utilizing his ATTACK MODE deployments strategically. As the slower overall pace in the conditions meant energy usage wasn’t as severe as it would have been on a dry track, he was able to capitalize on his conserved energy.

Buemi’s progress continued as he navigated a collision between Felipe Drugovich and Antonio Felix da Costa, and fended off the advances of Jake Dennis, who, like Buemi, was attempting a recovery drive from the back of the grid but had activated ATTACK MODE sooner. He moved into the top 10, continuing to gain positions and conserve energy.

In the final laps, Buemi unleashed back-to-back ATTACK MODE deployments, capitalizing on the fact that many competitors had exhausted their reserves. Some drivers were left extremely vulnerable, with only a few minutes of energy remaining, while others were already experiencing battery limitations. He overtook Pepe Marti on the penultimate lap and then passed a struggling Antonio Felix da Costa off the final corner to claim seventh place, narrowly missing out on sixth from Edoardo Mortara.

Considering the significant field spread and the challenges of the track conditions, Buemi’s performance was particularly impressive. He gained 13 places from the start, completing 14 competitive overtakes, demonstrating his ability to thrive in a race where others struggled to make progress. Dennis finishing 10th from 15th and Lucas di Grassi finishing 13th from a similar starting position underscored the difficulty of overtaking.

Looking Ahead: Jeddah E-Prix Schedule

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship now heads to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for Rounds 4 and 5 on February 13 and February 14. The Jeddah Corniche Circuit will host a double-header weekend, promising further action and the return of PIT BOOST.

Schedule (Local Time):

• Free Practice 1: Thursday, February 12, 20:00 (17:00 UTC)
• Free Practice 2: Friday, February 13, 13:30 (10:30 UTC)
• Qualifying: Friday, February 13, 15:40 (12:40 UTC)
• Race: Friday, February 13, 20:05 (17:05 UTC)
• Free Practice 3: Saturday, February 14, 13:30 (10:30 UTC)
• Qualifying: Saturday, February 14, 15:40 (12:40 UTC)
• Race: Saturday, February 15, 20:05 (17:05 UTC)

Formula E’s Evo Sessions Return

The Jeddah E-Prix will also feature the return of EVO Sessions, showcasing the next generation of drivers competing in the GEN3 Evo car. The event will be streamed live on YouTube on February 15.

Fans can follow the race live on the Formula E website and app, with access to live timing, an interactive track map, session reports, exclusive interviews, and detailed standings.