Ahead of the Formula E Tokyo E-Prix, Nico Müller revealed he and Andretti could have won in Monaco if it were not for technical struggles.
Nico Müller started his weekend in Monaco started confidence, as as he had the opportunity to win Saturdays race.
With luck on their side, the pit boost window opened when he and Andretti needed it the most. However, problems with the boost charger occurred, which ultimately cost Andretti and him the win.
Speaking exclusively to Fastest Formula News ahead of FP1 during the Tokyo E-Prix, Nico Müller acknowledged that the result could have been better in the end, but the strategy and pace during the weekend could bring future success. Though, Müller and Andretti prioritized helping Jake Dennis in the end.
“I think the win was in reach with the strategy we were on. If the boost charger worked, we are all pretty confident in saying that it was very, very likely that we were going to win this race.“
“So, yeah, I think we were, let’s say, on the lucky side that it opened when we needed it to open and we were on the right strategy for it and stuff, but we were on the very unlucky side that the charger didn’t work. So, definitely the win was on the cards, but it was not quite meant to be.“
“I mean, obviously, once it was clear that we had to manage the missing state of charge, that was kind of priority to make sure we could make it to the end of the race without derating. And at the same time, make sure that as a team we can at least get a podium with Jake. So, yeah, that was prioritized at the time.”
“Looking back, if you optimize, let’s say, the management of the problem even more, probably I could have even secured a podium that way, but you’re always smarter in hindsight. But I think we managed a difficult situation very well as a team.“
Nico Müller names Qualifying as main focus point for Andretti in Tokyo
Müller was optimistic about the progress of the team, as they prepare for the Formula E Tokyo E-Prix. With the difficulty to overtake in Tokyo, qualifying should be the main focus of him and Andretti. While Müller talked to Fastest Formula News, he admitted that the weather in Tokyo will play an important part in the results of the Tokyo E-Prix.
“I mean, it’s obviously a very different track to the ones we’ve had so far in the calendar. Tight, twisty, difficult to overtake, so qualifying will be important.That’s what the focus has been on also in preparation, to make a step there.”
“I feel like we’ve not really yet been able, on my side, to maximize our potential in qualifying trim, and that’s what we’ve really worked on hard. And I hope that will pay off here. Then there’s obviously the weather that will play a role most likely tomorrow.”
“You know, rain in these cars, in these conditions, is obviously a very tricky factor. So we’ll see how that pans out. But looking forward, feeling good. Preparation has been going well, so can’t wait to get started.”
Monaco in the past, as Tokyo requires a different approach
Müller acknowledged that he and Andretti and will focus on the Tokyo E-Prix, have moved on from his difficult afternoon in Monaco.
“I mean, you don’t really think about what happened lately. It’s more about maximizing what you have now. That’s what the focus is really on.”
“Again, very different circumstances to Monaco. We’ve just tried to prepare as best as possible for the challenge we expect to be facing here. And that’s really it.”
Müller is “not so focused on the results” of the Tokyo E-Prix
Müller remained confident about the team’s chances ahead of the race, He told Fastest Formula News they focused on execution, not the final result.
“I think it’s definitely possible if things line up and we manage to put it all together. The level is so high. The field has moved even closer together.”
“In order to be able to win a race or stand on a podium, you have to really put together a perfect day. That’s what our focus is on. I don’t see why we couldn’t do it here.”
“But again, it can also mean that if some others are slightly stronger, that even when you do a perfect day, you finish fourth or fifth. We’ll just take it as it comes. I’m not so focused on the result.”
“I’m more focused on what we can influence and our execution and then we take whatever comes out.”
First race win with Andretti is the goal of Nico Müller
Müller felt the team had everything needed to succeed. He said it was about delivering when it counted. With different tracks ahead, he saw new challenges each weekend. He backed their race execution but noted Tokyo would demand raw pace. His outlined his overall goal with Andretti.
“Again, I think all the ingredients are there. It’s about putting it all together when it counts. I feel like there’s obviously some very different tracks coming up with very different challenges.”
“I feel like we are very strong in races execution, which will be more of a factor again on some other tracks. Whereas here, it’s maybe more about pure pace on a single lap. So again, very different challenges we’re expecting weekend by weekend.”
“And I’m quite convinced that we can do well in all of them. So my goal is still to win my first Formula E race this season together with Andretti. And we’re not going to let go until the very end.”
