As the dawn of the Gen3 Evo era approaches, the 2024-25 Formula E season is set to kick off with a mix of established names and new faces. With the Sao Paulo E-Prix on December 7 marking the start, teams are finalizing their line-ups, and the driver market is buzzing with anticipation. Defending champion Pascal Wehrlein is set to defend his title, but the grid is packed with talent eager to challenge his reign.
Champions and Contenders Ready for Battle
Wehrlein will spearhead Porsche’s campaign, donning the prestigious number one on his car as he aims to become only the second driver to win back-to-back championships. Alongside him, Antonio Felix da Costa, whose mid-season heroics saved his Porsche seat, will be gunning for his own shot at glory.
Jaguar’s dynamic duo, Mitch Evans and Nick Cassidy, return with unfinished business after narrowly missing out on the title last season. Their fierce rivalry, despite their close friendship, is expected to intensify as they aim to take Jaguar to the top in this new era.
Major Moves and Team Overhauls
DS Penske has shaken things up by bringing in Maximilian Gunther to partner Jean-Eric Vergne, replacing the underperforming Stoffel Vandoorne, who moves to Maserati. Meanwhile, Maserati has completely revamped its lineup, with Jake Hughes joining Vandoorne to form a promising pairing.
Nissan sticks with Oliver Rowland, who had a strong season marred by illness, while Sacha Fenestraz, despite a disappointing 2024, remains on board. Over at Andretti, former champion Jake Dennis will be joined by Nico Muller, who impressed last season despite being in a less competitive car at Abt Cupra.
Uncertain Futures and New Beginnings
Envision Racing faces uncertainty as they contemplate replacing Sebastien Buemi, who may focus on endurance racing after a lackluster run in Formula E. Robin Frijns is confirmed, but the second seat remains in question. Similarly, McLaren’s Sam Bird awaits confirmation for his seat, with Taylor Bernard being a potential new addition following his strong substitute performances last season.
Abt Lola enters the scene as a rebranded force, with Lucas di Grassi leading the charge. The second seat is up for grabs, with several names, including Robert Shwartzman, in the mix.
Questions Linger Over Some Teams
Mahindra remains stable with Nyck de Vries and Edoardo Mortara, though their future beyond Gen3 Evo is uncertain. ERT, like last year, has yet to finalize its lineup but could stick with Dan Ticktum and Sergio Sette Camara after a mixed 2024 season.
As the countdown to Season 11 begins, the stakes have never been higher. With new regulations, team shakeups, and the promise of fierce competition, the Gen3 Evo era is poised to deliver a season of electrifying racing.
Photo from Fia Formula E Instagram
