Formula E – Key Transfers

The arrival of two major internationally renowned manufacturers with a strong historical legacy, Mercedes and Porsche, is causing increasing interest in the 100% electric discipline. The limited number of slots (currently 10 teams, 12 in the future) and the possibility of seeing major manufacturers compete offer a prospect for many drivers who have lost their seats in WEC or even in F1, at a time when Audi is taking full control of the ABT Schaeffler team and BMW is intensifying its commitment with Andretti.

In 2019, no less than seven world-class manufacturers would be competing with Renault (Renault e.dams), Audi (Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler), DS (DS Virgin Racing), Mahindra, Jaguar (Panasonic Jaguar Racing), and as mentioned previously, Porsche and Mercedes. The challenge for the drivers will be to secure a seat in these major teams.

For its part, Renault e.dams continues with consistency by retaining the fastest driver in the championship, Sébastien Buemi, as well as Nicolas Prost who secures points at each ePrix and has helped the French team win the first three constructors’ championships. At Audi Sport, newly crowned Lucas di Grassi will be kept alongside the son of the team’s founder, Daniel Abt.

In the DS Virgin camp, Sam Bird logically retains his seat after three seasons where he has positioned himself as the team leader and has been one of the few to compete with the title contenders. José Maria López will be sidelined after a first season where he showed good speed but was also too inconsistent. Alex Lynn, third driver and substitute last season with a pole position at his debut, logically takes his place, bringing freshness and speed to the English team. He will be one to watch next season.

At Mahindra, last season’s revelation Felix Rosenqvist should easily retain his seat, unless he’s coveted by other manufacturers. His support from Mercedes could eventually open the doors to the team in 2019. Nick Heidfeld is also expected to be retained, as he brings experience and stability to the team. At Techeetah, which gained momentum throughout the 2017-2018 campaign, Jean-Éric Vergne, who is a shareholder in the team, is likely to be retained after finally winning his first race in the discipline. However, for the second seat, nothing is set. Stéphane Sarrazin could keep it, but there are rumors of talks with Loïc Duval and Brendon Hartley (without a seat following Porsche’s withdrawal from WEC).

On the Andretti side, the official and enhanced support from BMW planned for the 2018-2019 season should allow factory driver Antonio Félix da Costa to be retained despite his sometimes erratic driving. Robin Frijns, although fast, would be sidelined as he is not part of the German brand’s fold. Alexander Sims, the team’s reserve driver, is a strong contender, but BMW drivers in DTM like Tom Blomqvist or a Japanese driver supported by the main sponsor Amlin are also being considered as options.

At NIO (formerly NextEV NIO), Oliver Turvey is expected to continue his journey within the team that crowned Nelson Piquet Jr. in season 1. The latter could also remain with the team unless a deal with Jaguar is arranged, a possibility he had already mentioned last season. If that were the case, his seat would be a good fallback for Robin Frijns, Adam Carroll, or even José María López.

Jaguar Racing, newly arrived in the discipline last season, intends to retain Mitch Evans, who has skillfully seized opportunities to score valuable points. Having long stagnated in feeder series, this position in auto racing with a manufacturer is precious for the New Zealander. His teammate Adam Caroll, having shown less performance, is expected to leave the team. Felipe Massa, who tested for the team a year ago and might retire permanently from Formula 1 at the end of the current season, could find a new home in the team.

Finally, Dragon Racing loses the support of Faraday Future but retains Jérôme d’Ambrosio in its ranks. Loïc Duval, on the other hand, is no longer in favor with the team, and Neel Jani from the WEC has signed for the second seat with an eye on a place at Porsche in 2019-2020.

On its side, the underdog of the Venturi series is attempting to garner support from the German structure HWA, previously involved with Mercedes in DTM, which could lead to the arrival of drivers present in the touring series. Maro Engel could see his contract extended in this context, alongside drivers like Robert Wickens, who is aiming for a spot in the official Mercedes team in 2019. However, Tom Dillmann is appreciated after his successful stint last season and seems well-positioned to continue in the series. Other options are also possible: if he loses his F1 spot, Pascal Wehrlein could also find refuge within the Monegasque team, while Loïc Duval and Robin Frijns could also find a landing spot there. Tests are also scheduled with James Rossiter and Nyck de Vries (Formula 2 driver).

In the end, the transfer waltz seems far from over three months before the start of season 4, which will see new rivalries emerge. The teams will be eager to take their revenge on Renault and Audi, which should provide an exciting battle for the title!