Formula E Star Nick Cassidy Joins Peugeot Hypercar Team for WEC 2026 Season
Nick Cassidy, a prominent figure in Formula E, is embarking on an exciting new chapter in his illustrious motorsport career. The highly skilled driver is officially slated to join Peugeot's World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar division for the 2026 racing season. This significant announcement is believed to be a foundational element of a more comprehensive collaboration with Stellantis, the parent corporation of Peugeot, hinting at potential future engagements, including a likely return to Formula E with a Stellantis-affiliated team for the 2025/26 season.
Cassidy's Transition to Endurance Racing's Elite and Peugeot's Strategic Future
The confirmed transition of Nick Cassidy to Peugeot's WEC Hypercar squad for the 2026 season marks a pivotal moment in his career. The decision, officially disclosed on a recent Monday, is anticipated to be a strategic component of a larger alliance between Cassidy and Stellantis, the automotive giant overseeing Peugeot. This expanded relationship could see him competing for the team presently known as Maserati MSG Racing within the Formula E circuit during the 2025/26 season.
Cassidy is no stranger to the demanding world of sportscar racing, having previously showcased his talent in the GTE Am class of the WEC. His prior experience includes six competitive races in 2022, where he skillfully piloted an AF Corse-prepared Ferrari. His remarkable track record also boasts an impressive 11 victories in Formula E, and a championship title in Super GT, achieved alongside teammate Ryo Hirakawa while driving for TOM'S Lexus during his time in Japan.
Olivier Jansonnie, the esteemed Technical Director of Peugeot Sport, expressed his enthusiasm regarding Cassidy's inclusion. He highlighted Cassidy's diverse experience across various motorsport disciplines, his meticulous technical approach, and his inherent speed as invaluable attributes that will undoubtedly bolster the team's capabilities.
Cassidy's initiation with Peugeot will commence with his first driving experience of the cutting-edge Peugeot 9X8 2024 Le Mans Hypercar. This inaugural test will take place at a multi-manufacturer session in Austin, immediately following the upcoming WEC round at the North American venue. The official confirmation of Cassidy's signing follows a playful yet telling exchange on Instagram between the driver and Peugeot, which occurred after his mutual agreement to depart from the Jaguar Formula E team earlier in July. Peugeot's social media overture, humorously suggesting a ticket to Austin and a discussion about 2025/26 WEC plans, signaled the impending partnership.
Cassidy's recruitment by Peugeot is poised to be a key element in a substantial restructuring of the French manufacturer's driver lineup for what will be its fourth full season in the WEC. With numerous current drivers' contracts nearing their conclusion at the end of the ongoing season, the driver market is experiencing a surge in activity. This is further fueled by the impending entry of Genesis into the Hypercar class next year, followed by Ford and McLaren in the subsequent season. Among the talents being considered for a permanent racing seat is reserve driver Theo Pourchaire, who is also slated to participate in the Austin test.
A Reporter's Insight: The Strategic Dance of Motorsport Talents
From a journalistic perspective, Nick Cassidy's move to Peugeot's WEC Hypercar program represents more than just a change of teams; it's a profound strategic shift in the intricate landscape of professional motorsport. In an era where manufacturers are intensely competing for top-tier talent, securing a driver of Cassidy's caliber – with a proven record of success in both electric single-seaters and traditional GT racing – speaks volumes about Peugeot's ambitions in endurance racing. This transfer not only strengthens their driver roster but also subtly influences the broader ecosystem of both Formula E and WEC, creating ripple effects in driver availability and team dynamics. It highlights the growing versatility demanded of modern racing drivers and the evolving cross-championship opportunities. Furthermore, the playful Instagram exchange preceding the official announcement underscores a new era of transparency and direct engagement between teams, drivers, and fans, signaling a more accessible and dynamic side to the traditionally guarded world of top-level motorsport.