Mercedes-Benz EQ are one of the most highly-anticipated new entries to the ABB FIA Formula E Championship in recent seasons, with the German marque looking to replicate their F1 success in the all-electric series. Exciting talent Stoffel Vandoorne is joined behind the wheel by reigning F2 champion Nyck de Vries, with the youngster in the spotlight after bucking the trend and going green instead of following the established career path into F1.
Mercedes are entering a new, all-electric chapter in their 125-year history by embarking on Season Six of Formula E as a fully-fledged manufacturer. The Silver Arrows have most recently enjoyed a six-year period of dominance in Formula One, but now the German giants have turned their attention to Formula E and will hope to transfer their winning mentality into what is arguably the most competitive championship in the world.
Along with fellow debutants Porsche, Mercedes join four established German car manufacturers on the grid in what has already been termed the 'Bundesliga of motorsport'. The battle for national bragging rights will be fierce, while the rest of the field will all want to get one over the prestigious new arrivals. But a key advantage Mercedes hold compared to rookies Porsche is a year of experience shadowing satellite team HWA Racelab in the 2018/19 season. The platform has already been laid for the German giants to hit the ground running, with operational issues and logistical problems ironed out, and the rest of the paddock need to be wary of a fast start.
Hoping to lead the charge will be Dutch sensation Nyck de Vries, who secured a stunning F2 title win with ART Grand Prix in 2019. The 24-year-old went against decades of tradition, whereby GP2 and F2 champions go on to pursue a seat in F1, instead opting to join Mercedes on their Formula E adventure. All eyes will be on the rookie to see how well he shapes up against the established names competing at the top of the all-electric series. De Vries has already developed a reputation as a hard, uncompromising racer so expect all-out action when the young gun gets up to speed.
But with De Vries completely new to the nuances of Formula E and the twisty, bumpy street circuits on the calendar, teammate Stoffel Vandoorne will initially be expected to shoulder the responsibility of driving Mercedes forward. The Belgian had a tough time with McLaren in Formula One but has a stellar CV boasting F4 and Formula Renault titles as well as a GP2 crown of his own. Pole position in Hong Kong and a third-place finish in Rome last year shows how quickly he got to grips with electric racing, and big things are expected of the 27-year-old this time around.