Formula E’s Nico Mueller: “I definitely see interest in an all-electric 911”
Swiss veteran opens up on the EV vs. ICE debate, electric Porsches, his Formula E career with Andretti, and where Switzerland’s chocolate stacks up against chocolate Hobnobs
If you’ve spent any time on ‘car internet’ in recent years, you’ll have noticed that things have become increasingly tribal on both sides of the EV and ICE (internal combustion engine) fence. If various comments sections are to be believed, it’s impossible to enjoy both.
Yet according to Andretti Porsche Formula E driver, Nico Mueller, it’s very much possible to reconcile the two. And who are any of us to disagree with a man who’s spent most of his adult life racing – and winning – in Formula Renault, DTM with Audi, and the FIA World Endurance Championship behind the wheel of the Peugeot 9X8 Hypercar.
Ahead of the Andretti FE team’s home race in Miami, the 33-year-old Swiss joined EV Powered to discuss his reasoning. The first point Mueller addressed was arguably the most sacred of all automotive cows, the Porsche 911. Cue the gnashing of many teeth and the turning mauve on behalf of a certain section of netizens.
“I actually have a 911, and it’s the ‘Performance Hybrid’ model so there’s already an element of electrification there,” he said. “I think that’s exciting, because when you go down a specific route as a manufacturer – electrification, for example – then you want to implement it into your most appealing, performance-focused road cars.”
Nico Mueller on: An all-electric Porsche 911, and what EVs and ICEs can learn from each other
While fully on board with the 911’s unparalleled heritage, Mueller believes that a full EV version should not be dismissed in the future. He does, however, believe that an all-electric version of Zuffenhausen’s greatest hit should not come at the expense of its iconic flat-six. “I’m a big fan of the 911’s heritage, so I think there should always be a combustion version,” he continues. “There has to be space for both worlds though, so I definitely see interest in an all-electric 911.
“I think that could be very exciting simply because of the thrill that an electric drivetrain brings in terms of torque. You can also make an EV handle really well depending on how you set up the drivetrain. I’m very passionate about the idea of both, and I don’t think one has to exclude the other.
“In general car terms, though, I believe EVs and ICEs can work together. You can learn things from one platform, cross it over, and vice versa. There’s very exciting times ahead when it comes to this, so yes, you can definitely be an EV and an ICE fan at the same time.”
Nico Mueller on: Formula E being his primary focus for 2025
Keyboard bashing dealt with, Mueller is keen to discuss his new day job as a driver at the Andretti Formula E outfit, which he joined for the 2024/2025 season. Mueller initially joined FE as Audi Sport’s development driver during the 2017/2018 season. Since then, he has dovetailed full-time and part-time drives in the electrified championship alongside various programmes in endurance racing and DTM. For this year, however, Formula E remains Mueller’s primary focus.
“Being in Formula E with Andretti is one of the highlights of my career, because the level of competition is ultra high, and the fact that the championship has gained so much recognition in the world of motorsport – electrified or not,” he explained. “It’s definitely one of the hardest championships I’ve ever competed in, because it’s so hard to put together the perfect weekend. In fact, I think it’s harder than anywhere else.”
Mueller would not be the first FE driver to voice that sentiment. Earlier this year, Stoffel Vandoorne provided EV Powered with a similar opinion.
Nico Mueller on: Why Formula E is ‘a game of chess on four wheels’
Elaborating on the difficulties involved with putting together the “perfect weekend”, Mueller points to the changes he has seen Formula E undergo since his first outing in the Gen-1 car with Audi Sport.
He cites the introduction of the current season’s all-wheel drive GEN3 Evo car, plus the arrival of 600kW, fast-charging pit stops at certain races as key contributors in creating what he almost paints as a cerebral game for the drivers.
“Going as fast as you can while being as efficient as possible has been part of Formula E from the very beginning,” he says. “But now, it’s much more strategic and it’s really like playing a game of chess on four wheels.
“You have to read the races and position yourself correctly at certain periods to even have a hope of scoring points, let alone winning, which is the ultimate goal.
“For me, all of this is what makes Formula E very unique and the right place to be in my career right now. The field is so close together and there are so many different elements. Even the smallest things you have to get right if you want to be at the front of the field. I don’t think you get that in any other championship.”
Nico Mueller on: Jake Dennis in FE, and Mike Rockenfeller and Mattias Ekström in DTM
During his DTM days with Audi from 2014 until 2020, Mueller was paired with some of the biggest names in the sport including two-time Le Mans winner and 2013 DTM champion, Mike Rockenfeller, and double DTM title winner Mattias Ekström.
Ekström’s versatility as a race driver saw him crowned World Rallycross champion in 2016 with his own EKS team. Fast-forward eight years, and the Swede also formed part of Audi’s Dakar programme; the first time an electrified vehicle claimed outright victory on what’s considered the world’s toughest off-road race.
In terms of how his Andretti teammate, Jake Dennis, stacks up against two of Audi’s greatest, Mueller remains as pragmatic and transparent as he has been throughout our conversation.
To put things into perspective, Dennis made his Formula E debut during the 2020/2021 season. The following year, he claimed the drivers championship under the Andretti banner. In terms of further successes, the Briton has six FE victories, 21 podiums, six pole positions, and 10 fastest laps to his name.
“It’s quite difficult to compare Jake with Mattias and Mike, because DTM and Formula E are two very different environments,” says Mueller. “Moreover, they are all very different characters and are at different points in their careers.
“What I will say is that Jake is the most complete FE driver I know, and his results speak for that. There’s lots I can learn from him and alongside being one of the best I’ve ever gone up against, he’s a super nice guy. It’s a privilege to be his teammate.”
Talking Chocolate
Following the AndrettiFE Instagram account, it’s evident that the Mueller/Dennis genuinely get on, and their relationship isn’t a carefully crafted PR exercise. Ahead of Mueller’s birthday earlier this year, team admin filmed Dennis gifting him a packet of chocolate Hob Nob biscuits and a box of Coco Pops as a birthday gift.
Will Mueller be drawn into comparing two of Britain’s greatest exports with his homeland’s equally-excellent chocolate and somewhat healthier müseli?
“Oh, I don’t want to leave any burnt soil behind here, so I have to be careful!” he laughs. “To be honest, I think it’s hard to beat us when it comes to chocolate, it’s a big part of our culture and I am very much a proud Swiss chocolate eater!
“As for the Coco Pops, I can’t say that we have these at home, but we definitely have müseli.”
Racing in Andretti’s backyard and the rest of the FE season
With the clock ticking down to Andretti’s home event in Miami just days away, Mueller is keen to bring his employer a strong result after a difficult start to the 2024/2025 season. Despite scoring a best finish of ninth – and two points – at the second round in Mexico, the Swiss hasn’t finished in two of the five races, and ended up 11th in another.
“I’m really looking forward to our home race,” he concludes. “This year has been a big change for me with a completely new car, new systems, and a new team, but I’m super committed to giving them not just a great result at home, but great results for the rest of the year.
“I think we’re on a good path, and there’s always going to be one or two challenges that unexpectedly get thrown your way, but that’s part of the game. I think we’re growing together nicely, and I very much enjoy my work.”
