Mercedes Reveal their Formula E plans for Season 5

The ABB Formula E series has the distinction of being the first racing series to have all electric cars. It has found support from several members of the racing fraternity. The latest manufacturer to join the bandwagon is Mercedes.

The German team had received the ‘all-clear’ last month and now, they have revealed the details of their entry into the Formula-E series for the 2019/20 season. They will quit the DTM at the end of 2018 to focus their attentions on Formula-E and will receive support from their F1 operation.

Mercedes team boss, Toto Wolff was reported as saying, “The combined know-how of the Mercedes family at Affalterbach, Brixworth and Brackley provides the perfect foundations for our new Mercedes EQ Formula-E team.”

He also acknowledged the complexity and competition of the series, “I cannot imagine a better combination to take on this kind of project. Formula-E is a unique series with some vey specific challenges for its teams. We know the level of competition is extremely high and we will approach the challenge with energy and humility. There can be no other approach when we are up against 10 competitive manufacturers, many of whom have years of experience in the series.”

Mercedes already have a base to work with since their factory partner HWA will be entering as a customer team with Venturi from next season. The fact that their F1 engines have worked like a charm in recent years will also aid their progress.

Mercedes have also said that the experience of the High Performance Powertrains division gained from the F1 project will form the cornerstone of their development. They said, “The work on the F1 Energy Recovery System (ERS) has led to rapid in-house learning around both hardware, including the high-power electric motors and the associated deployment systems which optimise the power delivery of hybrid energy in the racing environment.”

The entry of Mercedes will no doubt help in boosting the popularity of Formula E all over the world. The fact that Felipe Massa has also decided to drive in Formula E would only mean that the series has a bright future.