Formula E is the home of single-seater electric racing, and also helps to provide a platform for some of the most talented drivers in the world to showcase their talents.
However, the majority of those that have conquered Formula E and achieved the championship have failed to make it in Formula 1.
A glance at the names and it’s clear to see there is plenty of talent including Nelson Piquet Jr, Sebastian Buemi, Jean-Eric Vergne, Nyck de Vries, Stoffel Vandoorne and Pascal Wehrlein.
Mitch Evans ponders whether ‘bad light’ projected on Formula E after Nyck de Vries’ F1 spell
Only one of those drivers has gone on to compete in Formula 1 after, instead of before winning their maiden crown – Nyck de Vries.
The Dutchman was called up to drive for AlphaTauri in 2023 following an impressive performance as a stand in for Alex Albon at the 2022 Italian Grand Prix for Williams.
His tenure was a short one and he was dropped in favour of Daniel Ricciardo after Formula 1’s summer break.
His performance is something that Formula E driver Mitch Evans believes may have generated negative coverage in an interview with Total-Motorsport.
“It’s hard to go up against a driver on pure merit. That’s the way it is. A lot of F1 guys who come to Formula E, they get a massive reality check,” Evans said. “It’s a shame De Vries didn’t work out, I don’t know if that put a bad light on us.
“It’s a strange sport, strange world but it’s not all based on pure performance. It’s not like tennis, golf, football where you can share your skills at any moment. Teams go for safer choices or people with their own pool.”
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How did Nyck de Vries fare after returning to Formula E?
Since transitioning back to electric racing, de Vries has struggled to rediscover the sort of form that led him to the world championship back in 2021.
An 18th-placed finish in the drivers’ standings, including just two point-scoring hauls suggests that he endured a difficult year.
However, things did improve towards the latter part of the season as he managed to secure fourth at one of the season-ending London E-Prix.
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Evans’ stance is one that has been backed up by the Dutchman’s struggles, with those transitioning over from Formula 1 enduring a tricky spell adjusting to the electric machinery.
There is yet time for de Vries to improve, having signed a multi-year deal with Mahindra in 2023 which will see him compete in Formula E again next season.
But, he will need a team that languished tenth in the constructors’ championship to make inroads if he is to get anywhere near the top step, or even the podium in general.