Monaco, Reimagined: Formula E’s Advanced, Vibrant Competition Against the Grand Prix

      If the Monaco Grand Prix is like motorsport's Met Gala – chaotic, iconic, bustling, and glamorous – then the Formula E weekend resembles a cozy house party hosted by someone with fantastic friends, attracting a diverse and youthful crowd, with a Type 00 concept car displayed outside purely for aesthetics.

      During the racing weekend on the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, I was invited to experience the double-header alongside DS Penske, a prominent team in the all-electric championship. What I encountered felt like a glimpse into the future – not only of motorsport but also of how we can approach motorsport entertainment differently.

      This marked the 6th and 7th rounds of the 2025 FIA Formula E World Championship at the Circuit de Monaco.

      Less Elbows, More Edge

      Let’s start with the obvious: it’s still Monaco. You still see the neon blur of Bugatti Veyrons and Huracán Performantes idling outside the Casino as if it's nothing extraordinary. You still walk past yachts as large as shopping centers while enjoying overpriced spritzes in the sun. However, in contrast to the F1 circus, which can overwhelm the principality, Formula E exudes a different vibe. There's more space to breathe and less exclusivity. You can actually stroll around the paddock without requiring a royal title.

      “There’s a cultural shift occurring,” Ellie Norman, Formula E’s Chief Marketing Officer, shared with me trackside. “Our fans are younger, more gender-diverse, and more progressive. They’re here not just for the engines - they’re looking for the experience, the soundscape, and the atmosphere.”

      Sound On

      Indeed, soundscape. One of the most intriguing aspects of Formula E is, naturally, what you can and cannot hear. There’s no heart-thumping roar of combustion; instead, you experience the eerie buzz of electric acceleration, high-pitched whooshes, and the thud of tires over curbs. But is that silence? Or is it a blank canvas…

      Ellie and her team are exploring that silence in ways no other motorsport has. “We’re considering how music can become part of the event’s DNA,” she explains. “Acoustic performances on the grid, live acts on the podium, even curated playlists that align with the race's rhythm.”

      While it's still early, I could already feel its impact – at this race, music wasn't merely background noise. The soundtrack adapted to the action: low-fi electronic tunes during the quieter moments and deep bass with tempo when the cars sped past the hairpin. Formula E is thoughtfully considering how music composition enhances the experience.

      The DS No.8

      Certainly, the racing itself remains paramount. Thanks to DS Penske, I had the opportunity to get in close – riding in the passenger seat of their stunning new DS No.8, the sleek luxury electric vehicle making its debut on the tight corners and tunnel straights of Monaco. It feels less like driving and more like gliding. Quiet, composed, and fast. It’s where French elegance meets Formula ambition.

      Observing the DS drivers – Jean-Éric Vergne and Stoffel Vandoorne – tackle two days of high-stakes racing, each with its own pressures, was a masterclass. Saturday marked the introduction of ‘pit boost,’ Formula E’s innovative take on pit stops, offering drivers a temporary power surge in exchange for a mid-race diversion. Risky, yet undeniably dramatic. While there are details to refine, it represents the kind of innovation that keeps the championship agile, exploratory, and – most importantly – enjoyable. The second day brought rain, and we know how chaotic wet racing can be.

      Tech, But Make It Culture

      What distinguishes Formula E isn’t solely the electric powertrain – it’s the mindset. This sport began in urban settings, designed to integrate seamlessly into the culture of each location it visits. Whether it’s mezcal and tacos in Mexico City or cocktails and carbon fiber in Monaco, the experience adapts to its surroundings. It’s modular, global, and profoundly social.

      The hospitality at DS Penske’s base wasn’t a rigid corporate setup—it was a vibrant gathering with delicious food. Aperitifs with a view, discussions spanning from fashion to racing lines. It felt personal, stylish, and inclusive. “We describe our job in three parts,” Ellie noted. “Build fame. Make us easy to find. Make us hard to leave.”

      And it’s effective. From performances during the grid walk to garage dinners and collaborations with influencers like the renowned automotive culture hub Race Service in LA, Formula E views the racing weekend as a cultural phenomenon.

      Monaco, Reimagined

      “There’s never been another motorsport event with a double-header in 96 years of racing. So it was truly special to have that discussion. What amazed me? We tripled the hospitality numbers from the previous year. It wasn’t just two races—it was two sold-out days in one of