Finally, the rumors have become a reality. Formula E team Mercedes-EQ, following the history-making World Drivers’ Championship title with Nyck de Vries and World Team Championship, announced that it will leave the series after the end of season 8.
The withdrawal is due to the fact that Mercedes will redirect its resources to other sustainable fields to face the “accelerated electrification” of the automotive sector, while promising three electric structures to be released in 2023, according to a press release published on the company’s website.
August 2022 will be the end of a team that took its first steps into the electric single-seater series with de Vries himself, who was a rookie, along with German driver, Stoffel Vandoorne. They have been the driving duo since their debut.
Read also: Porsche confirms Lotterer and Wehrlein for Season 8
To date, Mercedes-EQ has been in 38 races with four victories and 11 podiums since 2019/20 season start, improving the category’s level which already counted with Porsche, Audi and BMW’s presence. The latter two, by the way, have already stated that they will not be present for the eighth campaign.
The brand, aiming to become 100% electric by 2030, has promised to explore options for a possible participation in 2023, when the Gen 3 era begins, leaving the doors open for sale to new owners.
“We thank Mercedes for its support since joining the ABB FIA Formula E FIA World Championship. Automakers are facing EU and UK regulations for transitioning to an all-electric future, which reinforces Formula E’s vision,” said series founder and chairman, Alejandro Agag.
On the other hand, Formula E CEO, Jamie Reigle, thanked the outgoing team for his company during the Gen 2 era, while highlighting the fact that six teams have already committed to the next technological step with the Gen 3 era.
Written by | Osward Rubio
