After the end of Formula E campaign 8, many might think that teams and drivers are on pause waiting for a new race. However, the so-called “dead season” has been a busy one with key signings ahead of the third-generation era in the electric single-seater series.
The driver grid of the franchises is the one that has generated the most news so far with different changes to face the new challenge.
Andre Lotterer, who until recently wore the colors of Porsche, was signed by Avalanche Andretti. When everything indicated that he would not continue in the electrified category to join other challenges with the German company, this offer appeared that will make him stay in the urban circuits.
Lotterer’s place at Porsche will be taken by Antonio Félix da Costa.
Meanwhile, Nissan, in the midst of its electromobility strategy in which Formula E is an important part, decided to clean up its staff and acquired the services of Norman Nato and Sacha Fenestraz to fight for the title in season 9.
Envision Racing, with discreet performance in the last competitions, opted for the services of Sebastien Buemi. It is expected that his addition to the team together with Nick Cassydy, and the technological collaboration with Jaguar, will give a new breath of fresh air to the team.
The Swiss driver scored his first victory for Renault e.dams at the Punta del Este E-Prix in Uruguay in December 2014, and then went on to largely dominate the second and third seasons of Formula E.
ABT’s Comeback
As the founding team of Formula E, there is no more opportune time to be back than with the Gen3 era. With a mix of experience and youth, the brand signed Robin Frinjs and Nico Muller to be in front of the wheel at the next circuit.
After arduous negotiations and details about their return, the Germans return as Mahindra’s customer team and announced their official driver duo for season 9.
For ABT managing partner Hans-Jürgen Abt, the arrivals of Frinjs and Mueller generate a lot of motivation within the team because they have everything they need for a successful return to Formula E: speed, experience and the right spirit.
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The Arrival of a Historic Team
The inclusion of McLaren, one of the most iconic brands in world motorsport, fits like a glove in Formula E’s new phase.
With the monetary muscle of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, the team announced the addition of Rene Rast, with extensive experience in the series, as driver number 1.
McLaren is expected to announce Rast’s partner in the coming weeks, with names such as Jake Hughes, Maximilian Günther, Oliver Turvey and Felix Rosenqvist being considered.
The truth is that Formula E teams are active not only to sign drivers, but also to generate key alliances to strengthen their technology for the new competition.
