Formula E teams DS Penske and Maserati MSG have confirmed the departures of Stoffel Vandoorne and Maximilian Guenther respectively, with each driver expected to maneuver to a distinct squad next season.
Vandoorne joins DS Penske ahead of the 2022/23 season because the reigning champion, having won his sole title within the previous campaign with Mercedes.
The 32-year-old joined the all-electric championship in 2018 with HWA Racelab after spending two full seasons with McLaren in Formula 1 before being released from the British outfit following a difficult period.
After spending three seasons with Mercedes before the German marque left Formula E at the tip of the 2021/22 season, Vandoorne has spent the last two years with DS Penske.
During that point he has didn’t match the shape of team-mate Jean-Eric Vergne, with just one podium finish this season, in Monaco, and eleventh and tenth respectively within the Drivers’ Championship.
On Friday, it was announced that Vandoorne could be leaving DS Penske, and speaking about his departure, he said: “My journey with DS Penske has been an incredible experience. I am grateful to the team for their unwavering support and I look forward to new challenges.”
Jay Penske, DS Penske Team Principal, added: “We are truly grateful to Stoffel for his commitment and the outstanding achievements he has provided to DS Penske and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
While there was no word on whether Vandoorne will remain in Formula E, it is probably going he’ll remain with the Maserati MSG team.
The Italian club confirmed on Friday that this yr's driver line-up of Maximilian Guenther and debutant Jehan Daruvala is not going to be retained for the 2024/25 season.
Maximilian Guenther, Maserati Racing, exits the pit lane
Photo: Simon Galloway / Motorsports images
Guenther spent two seasons with the team, during which he claimed two race wins and achieved a best results of seventh within the 2022-23 Drivers’ Championship. He is believed to exchange Vandoorne at DS Penske and partner two-time champion Vergne.
Giovanni Sgro, Head of Maserati Corse, said: “I would love to thank Max and Jehan personally, and on behalf of the Maserati family, for all their commitment and the work they’ve done.
“Both contributed to the team’s performance and gave their all in every race to be sure that each Maseratis Tipo Folgores finished in the very best possible positions.
“Max delivered an exciting performance with several podium finishes within the Trident, while Jehan – the one rookie on course in Season 10 – did an incredible job developing himself and never hesitating to tackle the highest drivers with determination and fervour.
“We are proud that Max and Jehan were with us, that they worked together and shared so many things that will remain with us forever as part of Maserati’s history in Formula E. I would like to wish them both a great future in motorsport.”
