DS Penske announces departure of Formula E champion Stoffel Vandoorne

DS Penske has officially confirmed that Stoffel Vandoorne, the Season 8 Formula E world champion, will leave the team following the conclusion of the current season.

Earlier reports suggested Vandoorne’s departure, which has now been confirmed by the team. The Belgian driver joined DS Penske from Mercedes-EQ ahead of the Gen3 era, completing two seasons with the American outfit.

Despite not replicating the consistent top-tier performances that led him to the 2022 title, Vandoorne’s tenure with DS Penske saw notable achievements, including a pole position in São Paulo last year and a podium finish in Monaco this season.

Reflecting on his time with the team, Vandoorne stated, “My journey with DS Penske has been an incredible experience. I am thankful to the team for their unwavering support and look forward to new challenges ahead.”

Though Vandoorne is leaving DS Penske, he is expected to remain in the Formula E championship, possibly within the Stellantis family. Reports indicate a potential move to customer team Maserati, swapping seats with Maximilian Günther.

In addition to his Formula E career, Vandoorne, who serves as a test and reserve driver for the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, is set to complete an official Pirelli two-day tyre test. This test, which will take place after the Belgian Grand Prix, marks the first time Vandoorne will drive the AMR24. The 32-year-old Belgian driver will be testing at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31 July.

“I’m really looking forward to driving the AMR24 for the first time next week in Spa,” said Vandoorne. “It always feels special to be back behind the wheel of a Formula One car, and even more special to be doing it at my home circuit. As an official test, we’ll be running different tyre compounds and constructions to provide Pirelli with feedback. With some high and low-speed corners, it provides a useful range of data points and there’s usually a high chance of some wet weather running too.”

In the most recent Formula E season, Vandoorne secured a top 10 finish in the drivers’ championship, ending in P10 with 61 points, contributing to DS Penske’s third-place finish in the teams’ standings. The team scored 37 points more this season compared to the previous one.

DS Penske’s team principal, Jay Penske, expressed gratitude for Vandoorne’s contributions, saying, “We are truly grateful to Stoffel for his commitment and the outstanding performances he has delivered for DS Penske. We wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”