Bethonie WaringBMW factory driver Alexander Sims will make the move to Mahindra Racing for the 2020-21 Formula E season, as Mahindra confirms it will have an all new line-up for Season 7.
Sims will play a key role in helping to develop Mahindra’s new powertrain alongside a currently unconfirmed second driver.
The announcement comes alongside confirmation Jerome d’Ambrosio will not continue with the team for a third season.
D’Ambrosio joined Mahindra at the start of the 2018-19 season, and scored the team’s only Formula E victory in that time.
“I’m extremely excited about working with [Sims] and the prospect of what we can achieve together is motivating,” said team principal Dilbagh Gill. “In Alexander we have a proven racing talent plus someone that embodies what Mahindra Racing stands for with his personal principles in the areas of electrification and sustainability.
“He is an intellectual driver, a very nice guy and a team player; I’m enthused about what Season 7 will bring and look forward to announcing Alexander’s team-mate in due course.
“At the same time, I would like to pay tribute to Jerome, who leaves us after two years with the team. We had some great moments together and I wish him all the very best as he moves on to new endeavours. He is a class act and I look forward to seeing what he does next.”
Sims made his FE debut with BMW at the 2018 Ad Diriyah E-Prix, and picked up his first win in the championship a year later at the same track.
It’s understood he will continue to race with BMW in sportscars alongside his FE commitments with Mahindra.
“I’m delighted to be joining Mahindra Racing and continuing my Formula E campaign,” said Sims. “It’s an exciting opportunity to bring on the team’s package and challenge for strong results.
“Promoting sustainability and electric mobility is important to me personally and competing in Formula E provides a strong, innovative and forward-looking platform to raise awareness.
“I want to thank BMW i Andretti Motorpsort for all its support during the past two seasons and I wish the team well for the future. It’s been a huge learning curve coming into Formula E – it’s such a different discipline in motorsport and brings with it great new challenges. I’m excited to continue learning and to use my knowledge to support Mahindra in the upcoming season.”
BMW is yet to announce who will replace Sims but has confirmed Maximilian Guenther will continue with the squad for his third year in the championship.
Image courtesy of Mahindra Racing
