Stoffel Vandoorne, DS Penske
Photo by: Andreas Beil
DS Penske has announced that Stoffel Vandoorne will leave the Formula E team after two seasons together, the Belgian driver having been linked with a move to Maserati MSG.
Vandoorne joined DS Penske ahead of the 2022/23 season as reigning champion, having claimed his sole title the previous campaign with Mercedes.
The 32-year-old joined the all-electric championship as far back as 2018 with HWA Racelab after two full seasons with McLaren in Formula 1 before being let go by the British team after a difficult spell.
Having spent three seasons with the Mercedes team before the German brand's departure from Formula E at the end of 2021/22, Vandoorne has spent the last two years with DS Penske.
During that time he has struggled to match the form of team-mate Jean-Eric Vergne, recording only one podium finish in Monaco this season and claiming 11th and 10th respectively in the drivers' championship.
It was announced on Friday that Vandoorne would be leaving DS Penske and speaking of his departure, he said: "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."
Jay Penske, team principal of DS Penske, added: "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 endeavors."
Stoffel Vandoorne, DS Penske, DS E-Tense FE23
Photo by: Dom Romney / Motorsport Images
While no update was given on whether Vandoorne would be remaining in Formula E, it's understood that he will likely stay on the grid with Maserati MSG.
The Italian outfit has given no indication on its driver line-up for the 2024/25 campaign, having run Maximilian Guenther and rookie Jehan Daruvala this term as it finished a lowly eighth in the teams' standings.
Guenther has spent two seasons with the team which has included two race wins but is believed to be in line to replace Vandoorne at DS Penske and partner two-time champion Vergne.
There has also been no indication on whether Vandoorne will continue his World Endurance Championship driving duties with Peugeot next season, as the championship is set to have another calendar clash with Formula E again next term.
Source: Autosport