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Nico Muller Joins Andretti Global for 2024-25 Formula E Season
Nico Muller has officially become a part of the Andretti Global Formula E team for the forthcoming 2024-25 season, taking over the position previously held by Norman Nato. This announcement, made on Tuesday, has ended weeks of speculation regarding Muller’s future after he disclosed his departure from Abt prior to the London season finale in July.
The Swiss driver has spent the last two years with the German team and showcased commendable performance during the last season, notching up six points finishes. Notably, he achieved a notable streak with four consecutive point-scoring rounds in the final leg of the season. This strong finish left him 48 points ahead of his teammate, Lucas di Grassi, who was the champion of the 2016-17 season.
Replacing Nato, who raced with Andretti for only one season, Muller is stepping into a role that seeks enhanced performance. Nato managed only a single podium and finished five points lower than Muller in the drivers’ standings despite benefiting from what many considered a more competitive car package.
In the backdrop of his arrival, Jake Dennis, Muller’s new teammate, clinched the drivers’ title in the 2022/23 season while Andretti was operating as a customer team for Porsche. Meanwhile, Pascal Wehrlein captured this year’s championship as part of the factory team.
Muller expressed enthusiasm about his new role, stating, “I’m very excited to join the Andretti Formula E team. It’s a team that has seen success from the very beginning of the championship, particularly in the Gen3 era in their partnership with Porsche Motorsport.” He highlighted the honor of working alongside Dennis, a former world champion, and shared his commitment to striving for podium finishes and aiming for his first Formula E victory.
Previously, Muller was rumored to be linked with a seat at Porsche after participating in a private test for the brand earlier this season. This speculation arose in light of Antonio Felix da Costa’s early season struggles, which led to discussions regarding his potential mid-season replacement. Nonetheless, following a remarkable performance where da Costa won four out of five races last season, he was retained and is expected to uphold his contract for the 2024-25 season.
While da Costa has expressed a desire to compete again in the World Endurance Championship, Muller has stepped back from his role with Peugeot. This situation may leave an opening for Muller to consider a move to Porsche in the 2025-26 season should he deliver strong performances next year.
Michael Andretti, CEO of the team, added, “We have high expectations for season 11, and we’re confident that adding a driver of Nico’s calibre will help us get results.” He emphasized that Muller’s experience and success in Formula E, alongside his achievements in other prestigious racing series, will play a crucial role as the team strives for better results and aims for world championships.
As the 2024-25 season approaches, the integration of Muller into the Andretti team represents a strategic move aimed at enhancing the team’s competitive standing in Formula E.
Source
www.autosport.com