The deadline for the electronic vote is due to end at 1600 CET on Saturday, which will ultimately determine whether an FIA regulation that would prevent certain drivers from racing in Berlin can be bypassed. The unique situation comes as the WEC’s Six Hours of Spa event takes place on 11 May, the same day as the opening Berlin Formula E race, with several drivers contesting dual programmes this season.
A second Berlin race will be held the following day, in theory giving drivers who compete in Belgium the chance to travel to Germany and race in the Formula E sequel. But an FIA regulation means that the German meeting is considered a sole event despite two races being held, currently making it so teams cannot switch drivers between the two races unless the decision is unanimously agreed by all 11 teams.
Seven drivers have joint Formula E and WEC commitments this season, including both Envision racers Sebastien Buemi and Robin Frijns, both DS Penske drivers Jean-Eric Vergne and Stoffel Vandoorne, Nyck de Vries and Edoardo Mortara from Mahindra, as well as Abt’s Nico Muller. Both Vergne and Vandoorne confirmed they would prioritise Formula E over WEC in the event of the clash, while it’s understood that Mortara will also commit to the Berlin double-header. It leaves the remaining four drivers – who, although not confirmed, are believed to be prioritising the WEC – seeking approval from all 11 teams to race on the 12 May in Berlin.
Speaking ahead of the vote and prior to the Sao Paulo E-Prix this weekend, Envision team principal Sylvain Filippi expressed his concern over the situation. He stated, “I think it’s a bit shooting ourselves in the foot clashing. Put it this way, I don’t see a lot of advantages of clashing, but I see a lot of disadvantages.”
This is the second time in 10 years that the WEC and Formula E calendars have clashed on the same weekend. In that instance, the New York Formula E double-header clashed with the Six Hours of Nurburgring with Buemi prioritising the latter, which ultimately cost him a chance of defending his Formula E crown.
The dilemma of dual racing commitments between Formula E and WEC continues to be a point of contention for drivers, teams, and fans alike. The conflicting calendars and regulations set by the FIA often put drivers in difficult positions and force them to make tough decisions. As the e-vote deadline approaches, the racing community waits anxiously to see the outcome and how it will impact the upcoming races.
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