After six seasons together, Maserati MSG Racing have announced that Edoardo Mortara has left the team ahead of Formula E’s centurion campaign.
It was announced by Maserati on Friday afternoon that the Swiss driver wouldn’t be continuing with the Monte-Carlo-based team for a seventh season, in what comes a surprise to the paddock.
Mortara reportedly had a deal with Maserati for season 10, with his departure now opening up a very good seat on the grid. Maserati are currently yet to confirm either driver for next year, with Maximilian Günther requiring a new contract.
For now, though, the focus is on Mortara’s departure from Maserati, whom he joined back in season four (2017/18) when the team were known as Venturi. The Geneva-born driver has only ever raced for the Monte-Carlo side in the series, and has been their lead driver for the majority of their seasons together.
He was famously part of the season eight title fight, which went down to the wire in Seoul, South Korea. Mortara also claimed second in the standings in season seven. However, season nine was massively disappointing for Mortara, who finished 14th in the Drivers’ Championship. The 36-year-old scored just 39 points in 2023, his second-lowest ever tally in Formula E.
The start of Mortara’s season in the Gen3 era was ridiculed by driver errors, with the usually consistent driver having shown very little promise in the new machinery. Season nine was just the second time in his Formula E career that he went an entire campaign without a podium, with his best result having been fourth in Rome R2.
His legacy at the side does completely overshadow his season nine disappointments, with him leaving a huge hole to be filled. Mortara admits that it’s been “an honour” to have been part of such a “competitive outfit”, and he wishes them all the best for season 10 and beyond.
“The past six years of my career have been quite a journey, and it has been an honour to represent the team during this time,” Mortara said.
“Since 2017, we have experienced a lot together, it’s been a rollercoaster at times and by learning from the tough moments we faced, we grew to become a competitive outfit, fighting for race wins and World Championships.
“I’m proud of the role I played in this. I want to take this opportunity to thank the team for their trust in me and their support, I wish them the best of luck for the future.”
Above: Mortara claimed Venturi’s first-ever win at the S5 Hong Kong E-Prix – Credit: Alastair Staley courtesy of FIA Formula E
Mortara was famously the team’s first race winner back in season five at the Hong Kong E-Prix, with him having claimed six victories in total. Team Principal James Rossiter was quick to thank the veteran “for his efforts and success”, whilst he personally noted how much of a “privilege” it’d been to work with him.
“We would like to thank Edo for his efforts and success over the past six seasons. His experience, knowledge, and expertise have been pivotal in our journey and development as a team,” said Rossiter.
“On a personal note, it has been a privilege to work with him and we all wish him every success for the future.”
Where Mortara is off to next is unknown, although he has been rumoured with ABT CUPRA Formula E Team’s vacant seat, after Robin Frijns returned to Envision Racing. As for Mortara’s now vacant seat, there are two drivers who are likely to be considered.
2022 Formula 2 Champion Felipe Drugovich completed all rookie sessions for the team this year and was close to joining Andretti for 2024, whilst season seven World Champion Nyck de Vries was seen talking with the team at the season finale in London.
Reportedly, De Vries was set to race for Maserati in 2023, prior to his sudden F1 switch. Both drivers are likely options, although nothing has been confirmed.
Source: Read More