Image: Dom Romney courtesy of Formula E
The drivers involved were trying to travel from Spa to Berlin in time for the second race of the weekend. However, they needed a unanimous decision from all Formula E teams in an electronic vote, which took place during the São Paulo E-Prix last weekend. Unfortunately, five teams voted against, leaving the drivers with the task of deciding where they will compete between May 9 and 12.
DS Penske received confirmation from their driver duo, Stoffel Vandoorne and Jean-Eric Vergne, that they will prioritize Berlin. Additionally, it is believed that Edoardo Mortara of Mahindra Racing will also take the same approach.
Antonio Felix da Costa of Tag Heuer Porsche went even further and declared his intention to completely withdraw from WEC races after participating in the series for five seasons. This decision will allow him to focus exclusively on Formula E.
Envision Racing is the team that will lose the most in this situation. Both Sebastien Buemi and Robin Frijns have chosen to fulfill their commitments to WEC. Envision team director Sylvain Filippi expressed disappointment with the conflict, stating: “We were under the impression that this issue would be resolved last year, but unfortunately it was not.”
Mortara’s teammate Nyck de Vries and Nico Mueller of ABT Cupra are the remaining drivers facing a dilemma. They are expected to travel to Spa, leaving three teams in need of reserve drivers to fill the four available spots.
