A New Era Begins: Envision Formula E Team Says Farewell to Legend Leon Price
The motorsport world is reeling as Leon Price, the legendary figure behind the Envision Formula E team, steps down, marking a seismic shift in the racing landscape. The departure comes ahead of the highly-anticipated race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, and it’s the first time since the 2015 Beijing E-Prix that the team will compete without this vital force in their corner.
For a decade, Price has been the heart and soul of the Envision team, officially holding the title of team and sporting director. However, this role was far beyond the conventional. Price was an indomitable presence, forging alliances with drivers, juggling finances, and frequently defending his team’s interests at the stewards’ office—often with his drivers pushing the envelope of acceptable behavior. His influence was palpable; he played a pivotal role in the recent reinstatement of Sebastien Buemi’s podium finish in Jakarta, an extraordinary feat in the cutthroat world of motorsport.
Hailing from a lineage of racing greatness as the son of industry titan David Price, Leon’s journey through motorsport has been nothing short of extraordinary. He candidly shared, “You just grow into different roles and it starts to overlap a lot more with other areas of the team as well, to sort of bring all parties together.” His evolution was facilitated by the trust of team principal Sylvain Filippi, allowing him to operate with unparalleled autonomy and effectiveness.
Price’s impressive resume began with humble beginnings, working for David Price Racing teams at the iconic Le Mans and later in GP2 with notable drivers like Olivier Pla and Mike Conway. His ascent continued at Formula One Management, where he gained invaluable experience as Head of Operations in GP3, learning the ropes from the legendary Charlie Whiting. Price reminisced about a critical moment when he reached out to Whiting during a tense protest situation, showcasing the vital connections he cultivated throughout his career.
After rejoining the competitive fray of motorsport, Price’s fortunes dramatically shifted when he teamed up with Virgin Racing, where he witnessed the thrilling rise of stars like Jean-Eric Vergne and Sam Bird. This partnership was explosive, with Bird clinching vital victories and pushing the team into the spotlight. The drama unfolded as Bird heroically fended off fierce competition from Buemi during the Buenos Aires ePrix, a race Price describes as “horrendous to watch” from the garage, yet ultimately rewarding.
The team’s transition to Audi as a technical partner in the 2018-19 season brought a new wave of challenges and triumphs. The collaboration was a game-changer, pushing the boundaries of what the team could achieve on the track. Price noted the “eye-opening” preparations conducted by Audi, revealing the meticulous attention to detail that set them apart from competitors.
As Price reflects on his cherished memories, his admiration for the various drivers who passed through the Envision ranks is evident. He holds a special place in his heart for Sam Bird and Robin Frijns, both of whom he regarded as not just teammates but friends. Price humorously mentioned how Frijns often delivered his best performances after a stern talking-to, revealing the unique dynamics that characterized the team culture.
The era of Nick Cassidy brought new heights for Envision, as he seamlessly transitioned into the team and showcased exceptional talent in the Gen3 era, demonstrating why he was crucial in clinching the teams’ championship amidst fierce competition.
Now, as the sun sets on Price’s remarkable tenure, he leaves behind a legacy that will be felt for years to come. “It’ll feel weird watching it all on TV,” Price admits, “but I’ll be rooting for them wherever they are in the world.” His departure signals the end of an era, but the foundation he built will undoubtedly propel the Envision Formula E team into a promising future filled with potential triumphs.
With Price’s exit, the motorsport community is left to wonder: What’s next for Envision? As they transition into a new chapter, one thing is certain—the impact of Leon Price will resonate throughout the sport, igniting a passionate pursuit of excellence that defines the very essence of racing.
