‘Formula E working against all odds’ – Wolff

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has credited the FIA Formula E world championship as a strong performer “against all odds” which is gaining interest from fans and manufacturers, ahead of the German brand’s entry to the all-electric series in 2019.

In July Mercedes-Benz rubber-stamped its intentions to join Formula E in its sixth season, 2019-20, having initially reserved its place at the end of 2016. With Mercedes recently strengthening its ties to Venturi – through its affiliate HWA squad as well as factory drivers Maro Engel and Edoardo Mortara – the German manufacturer is eager to see the all-electric series flourish.

Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport boss Wolff concedes Formula E has taken a key role in “corporate boardrooms” in the car manufacturer industry and has credited series CEO Alejandro Agag for his team’s effort building the sport’s foundations.

“Formula E is an exciting platform and against all odds Alejandro [Agag] and his team have managed to build a series which is interesting for many people,” Wolff said. “It clearly hits the Zeitgeist as corporate boardrooms are talking about it and what he and his team are doing is truly amazing.

“We saw the drawings of the new car which is coming in one years which looks amazing and it is a completely new concept. I enjoy opening up my horizon to the new series. We are excited to join Formula E.”

Formula E is currently four rounds into its fourth season having seen Jean-Eric Vergne clinch victory and the overall drivers’ championship lead at the Santiago ePrix.

During the build-up to the race in Chile Formula E unveiled its new ‘Gen 2’ car which will be debuted in the fifth season of the sport in 2018-19.