Nyck de Vries will return to Formula E after Mahindra announced a new driver line-up ahead of the 2024 season, with Edoardo Mortara joining the team.
De Vries has been in talks with multiple teams over the summer after losing his Formula 1 drive at AlphaTauri in July.
Lucas di Grassi confirmed he was leaving Mahindra, which opened up two seats at the team, since Oliver Rowland left mid-way through the 2023 season and substitute Roberto Mehri underperformed.
“It’s really exciting to be joining such a major automotive manufacturer as Mahindra, and to represent them in Formula E,” said De Vries.
“I’m particularly excited about the future plans for the team. The basis is already strong, and the team has all the attributes to succeed.
“I believe going forwards we will be able to extract even more potential from the project and the organisation, so to be a part of that process was very appealing for me.
“I think it’s no secret that the team has had a bit of a rough start to Gen3, although there were positive signs of improvement during the second half of last season.
“I believe the team can continue to build on those learnings, and with the additional changes and plans in place for the future, we can make even greater steps forward in performance at the start of our new journey together.
“Coming back to Formula E will feel like coming home. I’ve been part of the Formula E family for three seasons, I know everybody very well. I’m looking forward to being back in a familiar environment, and to be back somewhere where ultimately, I’ve always enjoyed my racing.”
Mortara joins Mahindra
Mortara left Maserati after the end of last season following a disappointing campaign, which saw him finish in 14th – his joint-worst result in his Formula E career.
It means Mahindra have a strong line-up in two drivers that fought each other for the title in De Vries‘ championship-winning 2021 season.
“I’m extremely excited to be joining Mahindra Racing,” said Mortara. It’s a team that I’ve been looking at for several years now, they have been in Formula E since the beginning of the championship, so there’s a lot of experience there.
“What I could also feel from the people here is that we share the same values. We have a great project in front of us, but I can see a lot of determination and motivation from everyone in the team, and this is so important.
“Mahindra is also such a big automotive manufacturer, with a worldwide reputation. I’m extremely proud to join and be a representative of this prestigious group. I can’t wait to get started, and I’m sure that, if we put in the necessary amount of work, we will be able to be successful in this very competitive championship in the future.”
Di Grassi expected to join Abt Cupra
As for Di Grassi, he is expected to return to an Abt team who he has a history with, as he spent seven seasons with the outfit, predominantly under the Audi brand.
He was originally meant to stay at Mahindra, but drifted apart from the team. He has previously told Total-Motorsport.com that he doesn’t plan to retire anytime soon.
“I want to express my gratitude to all our team members for the experiences we shared during what proved to be a challenging year,” Di Grassi stated on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“This decision ultimately benefits us both, as our perspectives and visions have diverged. I wish Mahindra Racing the brightest future ahead!”
