Wehrlein signs for Mahindra in Formula E

Ex-Manor and Sauber Formula 1 driver Pascal Wehrlein will make his Formula E debut in December after signing with Mahindra Racing for the all-electric series’ fifth season.

2015 DTM champion Wehrlein raced in F1 through 2016 and 2017 before losing his seat and returning to DTM with Mercedes.

The German driver was confirmed earlier this year to be mutually splitting with Mercedes’ junior programme at the end of the year, paving the way for him to move into Formula E.

Wehrlein was unveiled as part of Mahindra’s Season 5 line-up on Tuesday ahead of the start of pre-season testing in Valencia alongside Jerome d’Ambrosio, who arrives at the team after four years with Dragon Racing.

“I’m very happy to be joining Mahindra Racing,” Wehrlein said.

“I had the first meeting with Dilbagh [Gill] in the summer and met the team for the first time at a test event. It’s a small team but with really high ambitions and I have the same high ambitions.

“I want to achieve the best possible results and I have a feeling the team is the right environment for me. I’m looking forward to the season and I will give my best.”

Wehrlein is understood to have been in with an outside shot of landing the Toro Rosso F1 drive for 2019 following his split with Mercedes, only for a final decision on his future to be made last week.

D’Ambrosio is a two-time Formula E race winner, bringing some experience to Mahindra’s line-up for Season 5.

“I’m super excited to join Mahindra Racing. I’ve known some people in the team for more than 10 years and haven’t managed to work together with them yet and now we are going to have that opportunity, which is a great prospect,” d’Ambrosio said.

“I think we have a great team and a really dedicated bunch of people with the possibility of doing something great so I am really motivated to make sure that we achieve the results that the team deserves.

“I’ve known Dilbagh for the last four years and what the team has achieved in that time is amazing and has shown great progression and I want to make sure that continues.”

Team boss Dilbagh Gill added: “I am truly thrilled to be able to announce what I believe is one of the most exciting and dynamic driver line-ups on the grid, packed full of talent.

“We are delighted that Pascal will join the team as he begins a new racing challenge in Formula E. As a young and enthusiastic yet incredibly experienced driver, he is a valuable addition to the team.

“Having Jérôme join Mahindra Racing with his years of experience and multiple wins in this championship is something we are also extremely excited about. He is very motivated to bring success to Mahindra and has already been working hard behind the scenes preparing for the season.”

Wehrlein and d’Ambrosio mark an all-new line-up for Mahindra, who fielded Nick Heidfeld and Felix Rosenqvist for each of the past two seasons.

Rosenqvist will move into IndyCar for 2019 with Chip Ganassi Racing, while Heidfeld has taken a step back from racing commitments, but will remain with Mahindra in a reserve role