Racing

DS Automobiles' Illustrious Legacy in Formula E: A Journey of Innovation and Triumph

DS Automobiles recently concluded its participation in the London E-Prix, marking the end of a significant chapter in Formula E history. Over its tenure, from its initial collaboration with DS Virgin Racing to its successful partnership with DS Techeetah, and culminating with DS Penske, the French manufacturer has profoundly influenced the championship's development. Their journey concluded triumphantly with Taylor Barnard's victory in the final race, underscoring their enduring impact.

DS Automobiles' involvement in Formula E is deeply intertwined with the series' own evolution. Joining in 2015 during the championship's second season, DS, a relatively young brand itself, leveraged electric racing as a crucial platform for technological advancement. This symbiotic relationship allowed DS to accelerate the development of its future electrified vehicles, while also contributing to Formula E's expansion by attracting more manufacturers. This mutual growth defined a remarkable era for both the brand and the sport.

The Ascent to Dominance: Early Successes and Championship Glory

DS Automobiles embarked on its Formula E journey alongside Sir Richard Branson’s British team, Virgin Racing. Sam Bird quickly emerged as a pivotal figure, securing DS's inaugural victory in Buenos Aires, just his fourth race. Bird continued to be a driving force, achieving historic wins, including the first motor race in Brooklyn, New York, in July 2017, and triumphing at the inaugural Rome E-Prix in April 2018. By the end of its first three seasons, the initial generation of DS Performance-powered single-seaters had amassed five victories and 16 podium finishes, laying a strong foundation for future success.

The introduction of the Gen2 car for the 2018–2019 season marked a new epoch, as DS Performance meticulously engineered this advanced vehicle. DS Automobiles transitioned from Virgin to partner with the Chinese team Techeetah, forming the formidable DS Techeetah alliance. This partnership rapidly set new benchmarks in the championship. Jean-Eric Vergne, already a champion, secured his second Formula E title in New York in July 2019, making him the first driver to achieve this feat. DS Techeetah also clinched the constructors’ championship, marking DS Automobiles’ first world title. The 2019–2020 season, despite pandemic disruptions, saw Antonio Felix da Costa dominate, leading to a double championship win for DS Techeetah with an impressive 77-point lead. Over four Gen2 seasons, DS Techeetah accumulated 10 wins, 15 pole positions, and 28 podiums in 55 races, consistently finishing in the top three teams, a record unsurpassed to this day.

The Gen3 Era: Continuous Innovation and a Grand Farewell

In 2022, Formula E entered its Gen3 era, and DS Automobiles forged a new alliance with Penske Autosport, forming DS Penske. This new team boasted a stellar driver lineup, including Vergne and reigning world champion Stoffel Vandoorne. While the overwhelming dominance of the Techeetah years was not replicated, DS Penske consistently challenged top-tier teams like Porsche and Jaguar. The team particularly excelled on new circuits or where strategic brilliance outweighed raw pace. Vergne delivered DS E-Tense FE23’s first victory in Hyderabad in February 2023, and later, in April 2024, surpassed the 1,000-point mark, becoming the highest-scoring driver in the championship’s history.

Stoffel Vandoorne also contributed significantly during this period, achieving pole position in Sao Paulo and a podium finish in Monaco. Maximilian Guenther later joined Vergne, helping DS Penske return to winning form, before a new pairing of Guenther and Barnard created another memorable moment with a 1-2 finish in Shanghai in 2025, which would be the Franco-American team’s final major triumph. In their last Formula E world championship appearance at the London E-Prix, DS reached over 2,000 points. The highlight was Barnard’s magnificent victory in the final Gen3 race, making him, at 22, the youngest winner in Formula E history. With 19 victories, 56 podiums, and 26 pole positions across 11 seasons and 154 races, DS Automobiles has cemented its legacy as one of Formula E’s most successful manufacturers.

Pedro Acosta: “Marc Marquez is in the final stages of his career and I’m just starting mine"

In a candid discussion, MotoGP sensation Pedro Acosta opened up about his anticipated transition to Ducati and the unique challenge of sharing the garage with seasoned champion Marc Marquez. Acosta, at 22, is a decade younger than Marquez, and he articulates a clear strategy for his new journey: a patient, measured approach devoid of premature expectations. He emphasizes that while Marquez is in a mature phase of his illustrious career, Acosta is just embarking on his own, signifying a generational shift in the sport.

Acosta's move to Ducati, set to commence with the December 1st test after the current season concludes, marks the end of a fruitful six-year partnership with KTM. This collaboration yielded two Moto3 titles in 2021 and 2023, along with a Moto2 championship in 2023. However, despite these successes, the ambition to clinch a MotoGP title with KTM remained unfulfilled, prompting his strategic decision to join Ducati, a team where Marquez has become an undeniable benchmark and is widely considered one of the sport's all-time greats.

During an in-depth interview, Acosta elaborated on the rationale behind his departure from KTM. He concluded that his aspiration for a MotoGP championship title was unlikely to materialize in the immediate or near future with the Austrian manufacturer. This realization propelled him towards Ducati, a manufacturer that has dominated the riders' championships for the past five years. He understands the gravity of entering a team where Marquez has firmly established his presence and rapport with the factory.

Acosta acknowledges that his new environment will be markedly different, transitioning from a long-standing relationship with KTM to an entirely Italian setup at Borgo Panigale. He views this as a fresh start, one that he is committed to navigating without undue pressure. His initial contract with Ducati spans two years, and he plans to utilize this period to gradually acclimate and find his rhythm within the team. This two-stage integration underscores his thoughtful approach to a pivotal career move.

Currently, Acosta holds seventh place in the championship standings, trailing leader Jorge Martin by 77 points and Marquez, who is in fourth, by 37 points. Despite not yet securing a premier-class victory, his career boasts 13 podium finishes, two pole positions, and three fastest laps over two and a half years in MotoGP. These statistics, while modest compared to the sport's elite, surpass those of his former KTM teammates. He expressed profound gratitude to Ducati for their confidence in him, especially given his current lack of a MotoGP win, highlighting the faith the team has placed in his potential.

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Guenther Steiner on His Strained Relationship with Haas F1 Owner Gene Haas

Former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner has shed light on the nature of his current association with team owner Gene Haas, confirming that there is no ongoing relationship between them since his exit from the team. This revelation follows Steiner's departure at the close of the 2023 season, where he was succeeded by Ayao Komatsu.

Guenther Steiner's Candid Account of His Deteriorating Relationship with Gene Haas

In a recent interview on the "High Performance" podcast, Guenther Steiner candidly discussed the gradual breakdown of his working relationship with Gene Haas. According to Steiner, the initial stages of their collaboration were marked by agreement on most matters. However, their dynamic began to shift negatively after the 2020 COVID-19 crisis, a period during which the team faced significant challenges in regaining its footing. Steiner noted that while disagreements were always present, they previously managed to resolve them. Yet, over time, communication significantly diminished, leading to their current non-existent relationship. He clarified that there is no animosity, simply a lack of connection, and that both parties are content to move on independently. Steiner also acknowledged the prerogative of a team owner to make decisions, stating, "who pays decides," and accepted this as a fundamental aspect of team management, while also asserting his own right to direct his career path.

Steiner's frank reflections offer a glimpse into the complexities of leadership and personal dynamics within the high-stakes world of Formula 1. His comments underscore the importance of alignment and clear communication in any professional endeavor, especially when navigating crises and strategic shifts. Ultimately, his decision to speak openly about the situation provides valuable insight into the professional autonomy and respect for ownership that define such environments.

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