Porsche to stay in Formula E for now

Porsche has reaffirmed its commitment to Formula E after both Audi and BMW announced that they will leave Formula E at the end of the 2020/21 season, questioning the relevance of the championship for manufacturers and leaving it facing what Mercedes boss Toto Wolff described as a “wake-up call”.

The two marques offered a similar reasoning for their withdrawal – a pretty much spec series offered almost zero R&D opportunities with BMW saying it has “essentially exhausted the opportunities” to develop its technologies in Formula E, and Audi stating that it already served its purpose for the manufacturer as electric cars are nearing the point of mass adoption.

However, in a statement, Porsche Motorsport’s Vice President Fritz Enzinger confirmed that the marque will remain in Formula E, saying it “is convinced of the unique concept and outstanding stage” that the series provides and will continue to use it to “expand our outstanding competencies in the field of electric powertrains.”

Enzinger supported the view of Mercedes motorsport boss Wolff, who called for changes in Formula E, including a reduction in cost of competing in the series.

“We are pleased to make a statement about our continued participation in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship,” said Enzinger. 

“Porsche is convinced of the unique concept and outstanding stage in order to strengthen electric mobility and to reach another audience. Formula E is the stage to develop and expand our outstanding competencies in the field of electric powertrains – bringing them from the racetrack into series production.