Miami E-Prix Qualifying: Porsche’s Nico Muller wins first career pole ahead of Round 3 final

Miami E-Prix qualifying was held on Saturday, with Porsche driver Nico Muller claiming the first pole position of his Formula E career. He will be joined on the front row by Andretti rookie Felipe Drugovich, who finished second in qualifying. The Miami E-Prix race is scheduled to begin at 2:05 p.m. local time, with rain expected to play a role during the event. Drivers will complete 39 laps of the new Miami International Autodrome, located around the Hard Rock Stadium.Porsche driver Nico Muller secured his maiden Formula E pole position. The 33-year-old Swiss driver became the 33rd different driver in Formula E history to take pole, achieving the feat on his 64th attempt.Muller joined Formula E in the 2019–20 season, driving for GEOX Dragon, which was later rebranded as DS Penske. He moved to ABT Cupra in 2022 before switching to Andretti in 2024. For Season 12, he joined the Porsche works team.Along with Nico Muller, Mahindra Racing’s Nyck de Vries, Citroen Racing’s Nick Cassidy, Nissan driver Norman Nato, Jaguar TCS Racing driver Antonio Félix da Costa, Andretti driver Felipe Drugovich, DS Penske’s Taylor Barnard, and Envision Racing’s Joel Eriksson reached the quarterfinals of qualifying. Eriksson made his first career Duel-stage appearance at the Miami E-Prix.From those eight drivers, Muller, de Vries, Felix da Costa, and Drugovich advanced to the semifinals. Muller ultimately defeated Drugovich in the final duel to secure pole position.Dan Ticktum was eliminated in qualifying and sounded frustrated on team radio after topping the first free practice session (FP1). Envision Racing’s Sebastien Buemi was also eliminated and will serve a three-place grid penalty.Taylor Barnard, who topped the second free practice session (FP2), will start the race from fifth on the grid.With the race taking place at a brand-new circuit and with teams having benefited from a Rookie Free Practice session, it remains to be seen who will master the conditions and emerge victorious in Round 3 of the Miami E-Prix.Also read: Miami E-Prix: Jake Dennis showcases Andretti car on Ocean Drive ahead of home race