The ERT Formula E team is transitioning to Porsche powertrains while facing financial challenges, seeking continuity with their driver lineup
In a surprising and bold move, the ERT Formula E team has allegedly secured an agreement to utilize older-spec Porsche powertrains. This transition marks a significant shift from its previous role as a manufacturer team to a customer-based operation. This pivotal decision comes as ERT strives to stabilize its future amid financial difficulties.
Negotiations and Future Plans for the ERT Formula E Team
Negotiations with Porsche began several months ago, likely around June. The partnership is expected to last two seasons, leading up to the Gen4 era. However, with just 65 days before the season begins, organizers still need to finalize several important details.
A major concern for ERT is obtaining additional investment. The team is facing considerable financial challenges that threaten its ability to operate in the 2024-25 season. Securing support to cover these costs is urgent.
Additionally, there is potential for increased manufacturer involvement. Talks are already underway with an undisclosed brand to possibly badge the powertrains. If this arrangement does not work out, ERT can rely on a new powertrain developed by various suppliers, including Helix. Previously known as Integral Powertrain, the company has played a key role as a hardware provider for ERT.
While ERT has tested its new designs in the lab, it still lacks track testing. This could leave the team at a disadvantage during the upcoming Valencia test in November. Last season, ERT struggled, finishing last in both the Teams’ and Manufacturers’ championships, with Dan Ticktum achieving their best result: a fourth-place finish at Misano.
The collaboration with Porsche is particularly noteworthy. It will be the first time in Formula E history that a single manufacturer supplies three powertrains on the grid, totalling six of the 22 entries for the upcoming season. Initially, Porsche hesitated to provide a third team with powertrains, choosing not to support the ABT team after discussions at the end of 2023 due to various internal and economic factors.
However, Porsche has seemingly shifted its stance, recognizing the opportunity to collect valuable data, even with a different powertrain specification. The official Porsche team and its current customer, Andretti, will use a more advanced version of the powertrain for the next two seasons.
Same driver lineup but new name ahead?
Regarding the driver lineup, Ticktum and Sergio Sette Camara are expected to remain partners for a third consecutive season. Both drivers are seen as strong assets by the team’s management. Ticktum outperformed Sette Camara last season, but the Brazilian driver also had a strong campaign, particularly in qualifying. Sette Camara finished Season 10 just one point behind Ticktum.
Amidst the financial turmoil the team is currently facing, the possibility of yet another name change cannot be ruled out before the Valencia test. The history of this team is truly eventful when you consider its past.
Originally known as China Racing, the team was among the first to join Formula E in March 2013. It debuted in the inaugural season in 2014-15, with Nelson Piquet Jr. winning the first Drivers’ Championship, showcasing the team’s competitive potential.
As the years passed, the team underwent several name changes, including NEXTEV TCR, NEXTEV Nio, and eventually Nio Formula E Team. This evolution reflects its changing identity and branding. ERT’s journey has been a mix of highs and lows; after winning the championship, subsequent seasons posed challenges in securing strong finishes, often placing at the bottom of the standings.
In 2019, ownership shifted to Lisheng Sports and Gusto Engineering, marking a new chapter for the team. As of the 2023-24 season, the team rebranded as ERT Formula E Team, stepping into the new season with renewed ambition and a commitment to compete at the highest levels of electric racing.
That said, something is clearly brewing, as all posts have been mysteriously wiped from the team’s social media accounts. Fans and insiders alike are left wondering what major announcement is just around the corner.
