Formula E recently concluded a critical four-day pre-season testing session at Valencia’s iconic Ricardo Tormo circuit, marking a pivotal moment in the series’ transition to its revolutionary Gen3 era. This comprehensive test was essential for teams to get to grips with the myriad changes before the highly anticipated 2023 season officially kicks off. The journey to Gen3 has been far from smooth, with earlier private shakedowns and tests plagued by significant challenges, including notable incidents and heavy crashes. Consequently, the Valencia test was widely seen as a make-or-break opportunity to iron out critical issues and ensure readiness for competitive racing.
The transformation isn’t limited to the cutting-edge Gen3 car itself. The championship has also welcomed a new official tyre supplier, Hankook, introducing another variable for teams and drivers to master. Beyond these fundamental shifts, several teams have undergone extensive off-season overhauls, featuring significant personnel changes, new powertrain partnerships, and refreshed driver lineups. This article offers an in-depth look at how each team is shaping up as they head into what promises to be one of Formula E’s most thrilling and unpredictable seasons yet.
The Dawn of a New Era: Gen3, Hankook, and High Stakes in Valencia
The Formula E Gen3 car represents a monumental leap in electric motorsport technology. Billed as the fastest, lightest, and most powerful electric single-seater racing car ever built, it promises to redefine performance benchmarks. With regenerative braking capabilities now extended to the front axle, and a substantial increase in power output, drivers will need to adapt quickly to extract maximum performance. The shift to Hankook as the exclusive tyre supplier adds another layer of complexity. Teams are now grappling with different tyre characteristics, compounds, and degradation rates, which could significantly impact race strategies and overall competitiveness.
Valencia’s pre-season test, therefore, served as the ultimate proving ground. The four intense days provided invaluable track time for every team to understand the nuances of their new machinery, fine-tune setups, and gather crucial data. From mastering the revamped energy management systems to optimizing the new Hankook rubber, every lap counted. Beyond technical considerations, the test offered the first real glimpse into the competitive order, giving fans and pundits alike an early indication of who might emerge as championship contenders in the electrifying season ahead. Let’s delve into the specifics of each team’s preparations and their outlook for 2023.
McLaren Formula E Team: A New Chapter with High Ambitions
Following Mercedes-EQ’s departure from Formula E after clinching last season’s championship, the storied McLaren brand has stepped in, acquiring the successful team. While carrying the prestigious McLaren name, the Formula E operation will function independently from the Formula 1 team, based out of a dedicated facility in Bicester rather than the McLaren Technology Centre. This strategic decision underscores McLaren’s commitment to Formula E as a distinct and vital pillar of its motorsport portfolio.
Ian James, a familiar face from the Mercedes era, continues to lead the team as Principal, providing crucial continuity amidst the significant changes. However, the driver lineup sees a complete refresh. The highly experienced Rene Rast makes a welcome return to Formula E after a year’s sabbatical, bringing a wealth of racing acumen and championship-winning pedigree from other categories. Partnering him is rookie Jake Hughes, a promising talent making his much-anticipated debut in the all-electric series. The Valencia test was a crucial period for McLaren to acclimate themselves to their new Nissan hardware. Learning the intricacies of a new powertrain, especially in the Gen3 era, is a monumental task, but the team’s methodical approach during testing indicates a strong foundation for the upcoming season. Their integration into Formula E is not just a branding exercise; it’s a serious bid for success from a global motorsport giant.
Maserati MSG Racing: The Trident Brand Enters Formula E
The Monaco-based team, previously known as Venturi Racing for the first eight seasons of Formula E, undergoes a transformative rebranding for the Gen3 era. With Mercedes withdrawing as a powertrain supplier, the team secured a landmark partnership with the iconic Italian luxury brand, Maserati. Now competing as Maserati MSG Racing, the team not only adopts Maserati’s prestigious name but also utilizes Maserati-branded DS powertrains, establishing a formidable presence on the grid.
This off-season has seen significant shifts in leadership and driver personnel. CEO Susie Wolff and Team Principal Jerome d’Ambrosio have moved on, making way for James Rossiter, who arrives from Techeetah to take the helm as Team Principal. On the driver front, the talented Edoardo Mortara, a five-time race winner in the last two seasons, remains a cornerstone of the team. However, former champion Lucas di Grassi has departed, with Maximilian Guenther stepping into his seat. Guenther wasted no time making an impression, setting the fastest overall time during the Valencia pre-season testing, topping multiple sessions. This strong early showing suggests that Maserati MSG Racing, despite its significant changes, could be a dark horse contender, combining Mortara’s proven race-winning ability with Guenther’s newfound pace and the backing of a legendary automotive marque.
Jaguar TCS Racing: Seeking Consistency for Championship Glory
Jaguar TCS Racing experienced a season of mixed fortunes in 2022. While they matched Venturi’s impressive feat of winning four races, their overall consistency lagged, leading to a fourth-place finish in the teams’ standings. Crucially, their star driver, Mitch Evans, narrowly missed out on the drivers’ title, a testament to their outright pace but also highlighting areas for improvement in championship management.
For the Gen3 era, Jaguar has opted for stability and continuity, believing in the strength of their existing foundation. Mitch Evans, a true veteran of the team, embarks on his seventh consecutive campaign with Jaguar, underscoring the deep trust and successful partnership built over the years. His experience and raw speed will be vital as the team adapts to the new cars. Alongside him, Sam Bird, one of only two drivers to have competed in every Formula E race prior to the 2022 season, remains with the team. Bird will be looking to bounce back strongly from a challenging 2022 season, where he struggled with consistency. The continuity in the driver lineup, combined with a focused effort on optimizing the Gen3 package, suggests Jaguar is aiming for a more cohesive and championship-contending performance in 2023, building on their proven race-winning capabilities.
Envision Racing: A New Powertrain and a Seasoned Champion
Envision Racing faces a double challenge for the 2023 season: not only must they master the complexities of the new Gen3 car, but they also embark on a new powertrain partnership. After four successful years as a customer team for Audi powertrains, Envision has switched allegiances and will now compete with Jaguar’s powertrain package. This transition requires a comprehensive understanding of an entirely new engineering philosophy and technical demands, a task they diligently focused on during the Valencia tests.
Despite losing the talented Robin Frijns to a rival team, Envision has more than compensated for this departure with a significant acquisition: Sebastien Buemi. Buemi is a Formula E legend, holding numerous records including the most victories in the series’ history. His vast experience and championship-winning pedigree will be invaluable in navigating the Gen3 era. He partners with Nick Cassidy, who secured his maiden Formula E victory last season, demonstrating his growing potential. This potent driver pairing, combined with their newfound technical partnership with Jaguar, positions Envision Racing as a strong contender for consistent points and potential race wins in 2023. Their focus during testing was clearly on seamless integration and optimizing the new Jaguar power unit.
Andretti Formula E: Porsche Power and Lofty Aspirations
Andretti Formula E demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2022, achieving competitive results despite utilizing an older BMW powertrain package. As they transition into the Gen3 era, the American outfit is poised for a significant step forward, having forged a robust technical alliance with Porsche. This arrangement is comprehensive, encompassing the supply of cutting-edge Porsche powertrains, which is expected to elevate Andretti’s performance substantially. Furthermore, their reserve driver, David Beckmann, will now be shared with the factory Porsche team, fostering closer technical collaboration and knowledge transfer.
The driver lineup also sees notable changes. Oliver Askew has departed after a single season with the team. In a strategic move aligning with their new powertrain supplier, Andretti has acquired another formidable talent from the Porsche stable: Andre Lotterer. The seasoned German driver, a multiple Le Mans winner and an established Formula E competitor, joins Jake Dennis as his new teammate. Dennis, who showed flashes of brilliant pace in previous seasons, will undoubtedly benefit from Lotterer’s extensive experience and technical feedback. With the full backing of Porsche’s advanced Gen3 powertrain and a strong driver pairing, Andretti aims to return to consistent front-running contention in 2023, leaving behind their underdog status and embracing their potential as a championship threat.
TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team: Targeting Consistent Podium Finishes
Despite their illustrious motorsport heritage, Porsche has faced a challenging tenure in Formula E, with only one podium finish in their last 25 races. This performance has been below expectations for a brand of Porsche’s caliber. To address this and inject more consistency into their results, the team has made a strategic driver change for the Gen3 era, bringing in the 2019-20 Formula E champion, Antonio Felix da Costa. He steps into the seat vacated by Andre Lotterer, who moved to customer team Andretti.
While Porsche’s renewed focus on prototype sportscars might potentially divert some resources and personnel that could otherwise have been dedicated to Formula E, there are encouraging signs that the team is on an upward trajectory. After three tricky seasons, the development of their Gen3 powertrain and the integration of a proven championship winner like da Costa suggest a strong push for improved performance. The Valencia test was crucial for da Costa to integrate with his new team and understand the nuances of the Porsche Gen3 car. Paired with the talented Pascal Wehrlein, Porsche aims to leverage their factory backing and world-class engineering to consistently challenge for podiums and victories in 2023, establishing themselves as a true front-running force.
Mahindra Racing: Leadership Change and a Formidable Driver Pair
Mahindra Racing enters the Gen3 era with a refreshed outlook, marked by significant changes both in the cockpit and in team management. Oliver Rowland, known for his raw speed and aggressive driving style, retains his seat, providing continuity in the driver lineup. However, Alexander Sims has departed, and his place is taken by none other than Lucas di Grassi. The former Formula E champion and a highly respected veteran brings immense experience, technical feedback, and race-winning capabilities to the Indian outfit. Additionally, Jehan Daruvala has joined as a reserve driver, adding promising young talent to the team’s roster.
Perhaps the most impactful change at Mahindra is the replacement of long-serving Team Principal Dilbagh Gill. Frederic Bertrand, who previously served as the FIA’s head of Formula E and innovative sports activities, steps into the role. Bertrand’s profound understanding of Formula E’s regulatory landscape and his extensive experience in fostering innovation within motorsport will be invaluable as Mahindra navigates the complexities of the Gen3 rules and technology. This blend of experienced drivers and fresh, insightful leadership suggests Mahindra is committed to unlocking the full potential of their Gen3 package and making a strong push up the grid in 2023. Their performance in Valencia indicated a concerted effort to adapt quickly to the new car and tyres.
Nissan Formula E: A Full Rebrand and Fresh Driver Lineup
The 2023 season marks a complete renewal for Nissan in Formula E. Not only has the team formally shed its long-standing ‘e.dams’ identity to fully embrace the Nissan brand, but it has also completely revamped its driver lineup. Outgoing drivers Sebastien Buemi and Maximilian Guenther have moved on to new pastures, paving the way for an entirely fresh pairing of Norman Nato and Sacha Fenestraz.
Norman Nato returns to a full-time Formula E seat, bringing valuable experience from his previous seasons in the championship. His ability to adapt quickly to the Gen3 car will be crucial. Partnering him is rookie Sacha Fenestraz, a highly regarded talent making his debut in the series. Fenestraz has shown impressive pace in junior categories and will be eager to prove himself on the global stage of Formula E. This dual change in branding and drivers signifies a bold new direction for Nissan. The Valencia test was paramount for Nato and Fenestraz to build rapport with the team, understand the Nissan Gen3 car, and prepare for the demands of the upcoming season. With a renewed focus and a fresh slate, Nissan aims to leverage its factory resources to climb the ranks and consistently challenge for points and podiums in the highly competitive Gen3 era.
NIO 333 Racing: Banking on Gen3 for a Resurgence
NIO 333 Racing has faced significant challenges in recent Formula E seasons, often finding themselves at the rear of the field. However, the dawn of the Gen3 era presents a fresh opportunity for the team to reset and make a substantial step forward. The team has made a key driver change, bringing in Sergio Sette Camara, who was responsible for Dragon/Penske’s sole points finish last year, demonstrating his ability to extract performance even from challenging machinery. He joins Dan Ticktum, who endured a difficult debut season in 2022 with little to celebrate.
Despite their past struggles, NIO has expressed considerable optimism regarding the potential of their new Gen3 hardware. The technical overhaul associated with Gen3 means that previous performance deficits might be less relevant, offering a chance for teams with strong development to leapfrog rivals. The Valencia test was crucial for NIO 333 to validate their development work and ensure their new package is competitive. With Sette Camara’s proven capability to score points and Ticktum looking for a redemptive season, combined with encouraging internal assessments of their Gen3 car, NIO 333 Racing aims to break free from the back of the grid and establish themselves as a more consistent midfield contender in 2023.
Abt Cupra Formula E Team: A Respected Return with Mahindra Alliance
The highly respected Abt team makes a welcome return to Formula E for the Gen3 era, now competing under the Abt Cupra banner. After a successful previous collaboration with Audi, Abt has now forged a new partnership as a customer team for Mahindra powertrains. However, this relationship appears to be more deeply integrated than a typical manufacturer-customer setup. Abt is not merely a customer but also provides valuable technical support to its powertrain supplier, Mahindra, indicating a synergistic approach to development and performance optimization.
Abt Cupra boasts a strong and experienced driver lineup. The proven race-winner Robin Frijns, known for his aggressive style and ability to extract maximum performance, joins the team after departing Envision Racing. He is partnered by Nico Muller, who makes his return to Formula E after a year’s absence. Muller brings a wealth of circuit racing experience and will be keen to re-establish himself in the all-electric championship. The combination of Abt’s meticulous engineering approach, the collaborative spirit with Mahindra, and a talented driver pairing suggests that Abt Cupra is well-positioned to hit the ground running in the Gen3 era. Their focus during the Valencia test was on solidifying their technical understanding and driver-car synergy, setting the stage for a competitive return.
DS Penske: A New Partnership with Championship Pedigree
One of the most significant team transformations for the 2023 Formula E season is the relocation of the DS Automobiles brand. Following the departure of Techeetah from the championship, DS has forged a new alliance with Penske Autosport, creating the formidable DS Penske team. As the second Stellantis brand in the series alongside Maserati, DS Penske enters the Gen3 era boasting an enviable driver lineup that immediately establishes them as a top contender.
The team features reigning Formula E champion Stoffel Vandoorne, who brings unparalleled current form and championship-winning experience. Partnering him is two-time Formula E title-winner Jean-Eric Vergne, a driver renowned for his tactical brilliance and relentless pursuit of victory. This pairing is undoubtedly one of the strongest on the grid, combining recent success with proven championship pedigree. However, the hardware itself will need to be a substantial improvement. Penske Autosport finished last in the teams’ standings in 2022, highlighting the need for a leap in performance from their new DS Gen3 package. The Valencia test was paramount for the team to ensure their new car is competitive enough to harness the immense talent of their drivers and propel DS Penske into serious contention for the championship when the new season commences in Mexico City next month.
Anticipation Builds for the 2023 Formula E Season
The Valencia pre-season test offered a thrilling prelude to the highly anticipated 2023 Formula E season. With the radical Gen3 cars, new Hankook tyres, and a multitude of team and driver changes, the championship is poised for an unprecedented level of excitement and unpredictability. Each team has approached this new era with distinct strategies, from embracing continuity to embarking on complete overhauls. The data gathered, the lessons learned, and the early pace shown during the Valencia sessions will undoubtedly set the stage for intense battles on track.
As the Formula E paddock prepares for the opening round in Mexico City, the championship’s future looks brighter and more competitive than ever. The Gen3 era promises faster racing, more strategic depth, and a compelling narrative as established champions and rising stars alike vie for supremacy in electric motorsport’s premier category. Fans can look forward to a season filled with electrifying overtakes, dramatic races, and a championship fight that is sure to go down to the wire.
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