Maximiliam Guenther is confirmed at DS Penske for 2025 Formula E season, as Thierry Neuville remains at Hyundai in WRC.
DS Penske –
DS PENSKE is thrilled to announce the return of Maximilian Günther to its driver line-up for season 11 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. With JEV and Max behind the wheel, the French-American squad represents one of the strongest driver pairings in the series. Günther’s signing marks a significant reunion for DS Penske. Max first joined in Season 4 when Team Owner Jay Penske offered him his debut seat in the championship.
From his early days to his evolution as a fierce competitor in the series, Max has continually demonstrated exceptional skill and determination. Günther’s racecraft is characterized by an aggressive yet calculated offensive style, and a remarkable ability to overtake competitors with precision and confidence. His return is not just a homecoming, but also a reinforcement of DS PENSKE’s commitment to winning.
Max will join forces with renowned Frenchman JEV, one of the most accomplished drivers in Formula E History. JEV holds the record for the most front-row positions and the highest points score ever. His remarkable achievements on the track have cemented his status as a legend in the Series. JEV is equally enthusiastic about the new season and his new teammate.
“Having Max on the team feels right. His calm under pressure and bold instinct on the track will be a huge asset to the team. We share a common goal to push the team to the top of the standings. With our combined skills and determination, I am looking forward to a thrilling season ahead!”, said Vergne.
After 16 hotly-contested races in a fierce and highly competitive season 10, DS PENSKE had an outstanding performance resulting in four podiums sealing a third-place position at the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, two places up from Season 9. Fans should anticipate an exhilarating season 11 filled with passion, strategic brilliance, and competitive racing as DS PENSKE aims to dominate the Formula E Series. With JEV and Max behind the wheel, the team is more motivated than ever to compete at the highest level.
The iconic black and gold livery will be back at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain. The new GEN 3 Evo, faster and lighter, will make its debut at the Official Pre-Season testing on 4-7 November 2024 before the season-opening São Paulo E-Prix on 7 December 2024. Stay tuned for more updates on DS PENSKE’s preparations for the upcoming season.
Jay Penske – Owner & Team Principal – “I am excited to welcome Max back to DS PENSKE. His undeniable talent makes him a perfect fit for our ambitious objectives this season. Competing alongside Jean-Eric Vergne, we are well-positioned to achieve our championship goals in 2025. We must build upon the momentum we created in Season 10, and feel confident the best is yet to come.”
Maximilian Günther – DS PENSKE driver – “I’m very happy to be joining DS PENSKE. A powerhouse in the championship and a project with strong vision. We share the same ambitions and are all driven to be at the top of Formula E. Representing DS Performance, a manufacturer which has won several championships already is a real privilege.
“Same for being teammate with a champion like Jean-Eric Vergne, it’s something I really look forward to. A very special element for me is to drive for Jay’s team again, he brought me into the championship when I was 20 years old. I’m proud to be part of the team and excited of what we will build together in the future.”
Hyundai –
Hyundai Motorsport and Thierry Neuville have today announced the continuation of their successful partnership in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) for a 12th season, reaffirming the team’s commitment to the series for 2025. The confirmation of Neuville and co-driver Martijn Wydaeghe – in what will be their fifth year together as a crew – alongside Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja at Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team ensures continuity and stability for the Alzenau-based outfit as it looks ahead to a new season.
Neuville has played a fundamental role in building up Hyundai Motorsport’s WRC programme over the past twelve years and has reached numerous milestones with the team in that time. He scored his first career win in Hyundai machinery at Rallye Deutschland in 2014 and has since gone on to amass 20 victories, 59 podiums and 371 stage wins behind the wheel of the team’s WRC challengers.
Having been a crucial element of Hyundai Motorsport’s two FIA WRC manufacturers’ crowns secured in 2019 and 2020, the Belgian is currently on the hunt for his first drivers’ honour. Neuville begins Acropolis Rally with a 27-point lead in the standings with just four rounds remaining.
In 2025, Hyundai Motorsport will once again boast one of the strongest and most competitive driver pairings in the WRC. Neuville and Tänak will spearhead the charge as the team once again challenges for all three titles. The line-up plans for the third Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid car will be announced in due course.
Cyril Abiteboul: “We are pleased to confirm Thierry Neuville alongside Ott Tänak for our 2025 FIA World Rally Championship campaign. The decision to maintain this competitive pairing at Hyundai Motorsport underscores our commitment to the series in 2025, where we will once again be targeting all three championship titles.
“Thierry has been with Hyundai Motorsport since the very start, proving invaluable to the team both on the stages and in the factory over the past 11 years. With him and his co-driver Martijn Wydaeghe now locked in for next season, we have all of the ingredients needed to continue fighting at the very pinnacle of our sport.”
Thierry Neuville: “I am very happy to extend my contract with Hyundai Motorsport for the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship season. There are not many partnerships in motorsport that have spanned as long as ours, but since 2014 we have achieved great success together.
“I’ve said before that this team has become a second family to me, and our ambition and motivation has only grown year after year. It would be a great honour to win our first drivers’ title with them at the end of this season, and to carry that forward into a 12th year together. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.”
[Note: The story is as per press release]
