“Formula E Feels Like Playing a Video Game, its so Competitive”: Mercedes F1 Boss

Back in November 2019, Toto Wolff attended the season opening Formula E race in Ad Diriyah with Mercedes. Needless to say, he enjoyed his maiden FE race. The Austrian also compared the all-electric racing series to the popular videogame, Super Mario Kart.

In a first for Mercedes in its long and illustrious history, they have entered a team into a Formula E competition. Initially, the German giants fielded HWA Racelab in Season 5, before they joined as a full-fledged team for the sixth season.

The Mercedes F1 team boss confessed that he enjoyed the mildly chaotic nature of the competition. He explained that that was why he drew comparisons to a video game. However, he suggested that FE should be given time to grow and gradually establish itself.

“I really enjoyed the experience, I must say,” Wolff told the media. “I’ve never been to Saudi Arabia before and launching our Mercedes Formula E journey was very special.”

“For me, it’s Super Mario Kart with real drivers, but it’s absolutely valid to give that a chance.”

How is Mercedes doing in Formula E

In another first for Formula E, the big four German manufacturers, Mercedes, BMW, Audi and Porsche, are competing with each other. With three races done and dusted, Mercedes lie second in the FE championship behind BMW. Meanwhile, Mercedes FE driver Stoffel Vandoorne leads the driver’s championship.

It goes without saying, that Toto Wolff is extremely proud of the Belgian, as well as rookie driver, Nyck de Vries. Wolff noted that de Vries has been a vital cog in maintaining the team’s performance. He praised the Dutchman’s maturity and how he has gelled with the team and Vandoorne.

The Mercedes F1 team principal admitted that they tried to set a realistic target, as this was their maiden season. However, he is delighted that the Formula E outfit is exceeding said target.