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Mercedes retain Vandoorne and de Vries for Season 7

Mercedes Formula E squad have retained Nyck de Vries and Stoffel Vandoorne for their second season as a Formula E constructor.

Mercedes took over from HWA Racelab at the end of the 2018-19 season, retaining Vandoorne and replacing Gary Paffett with Formula 2 champion de Vries.

The pair drove the squad to third in the teams’ championship last season, with Vandoorne ending the year with Mercedes’ first victory in an E-Prix.

“We were very pleased with Stoffel and Nyck last season,” said team principal Ian James. “They both turned in strong performances, gained valuable experience with the team and showed that they have the right skill sets for Formula E.

“They are not only incredibly fast but also have the intelligence and mental capacity to deal with energy management and the unique nature of the races in Formula E. They can now bring this experience to bear in Season 7.”

In just his second year in the championship, Vandoorne ended Season 6 second overall, ahead of the much more experienced Jean-Eric Vergne and Lucas Di Grassi.

“I’m really looking forward to racing again,” said Vandoorne.

“It seems like ages since the last time out, racing in Berlin. We’ve done some testing with the new car since then and it was real nice to get back behind the wheel but nothing can come close to the feeling of going up against the best in the field.

“I can’t wait to see how we do with our new car next year. We were able to successfully conclude last season with a win and I hope that we can fight for podiums and victories again next year and can close the gap on the guys at the top a little bit more. Let’s wait and see how it goes.”

De Vries rounded out the 2019-20 season with his first podium in FE, finishing second behind his team-mate. He ended the year 11th in the championship standings.

“I am honestly delighted to be able to contest a second season in Formula E with the team,” said de Vries.

“We had a strong debut season together, although it was a bit of a strange year, in which Covid-19 changed everything after a few races. Fortunately, we were still able to finish the season on a positive note and I’m now looking forward to what will hopefully be a more normal season in 2021.

“I hope too that I can get to know all the new circuits that I haven’t been able to compete on so far. I feel very comfortable in the team and hope we can use the foundations we have built together to achieve more success next year.”

The team also revealed their 2020-21 challenger, the Mercedes Benz EQ Silver Arrow 02.

Image courtesy of Mercedes Formula E team

Bethonie Waring

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