Jean-Eric Vergne’s ultimatum looms over Formula E, warning of a potential departure if the series continues with its peloton-style races.
Jean-Eric Vergne’s threat to quit Formula E following last weekend’s Berlin E-Prix serves as a stark wake-up call for the all-electric series, now facing a chorus of discontent within its own ranks.
The crux of the matter lies in the peloton-style races that have become synonymous with Formula E’s current Gen3 era, much to the chagrin of a growing number of drivers.
In the latest Berlin double-header, this racing format took center stage, particularly in the opening race, which unfolded as a rollercoaster of incidents. While these peloton races undeniably offer thrills and spills, captivating fans with their non-stop action, they’ve also left many scratching their heads.
For drivers, the frustration is palpable. Some argue that qualifying has lost its significance, as evidenced by Oliver Rowland’s remarkable feat of starting from the rear in both races, only to charge through the field and clinch two podium finishes.
Yet, beneath Rowland’s strategic brilliance lies a deeper concern: the escalating aggression witnessed during peloton races. It’s not that Formula E boasts a grid of overly aggressive drivers, but rather the unforgiving nature of pack racing, where those who dare not to be bold risk being swallowed up and spat out by the frenzied pack.
Initially hailed as a novel twist, peloton races have now morphed into a perilous proposition, one that drivers increasingly shun. The consensus is clear: this style of racing is not what Formula E’s competitors signed up for, and urgent action is needed to steer the series back on course.
