DS Automobiles has confirmed its withdrawal from the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship at the end of the 2025/26 season. As discussed since the GEN4 announcement, the new era will bring an end to one of the most successful manufacturer programmes in the young series’ history.
A Legacy of Success
The French company has been a cornerstone of Formula E since its arrival in Season 2, building a great legacy that includes back-to-back championship titles, 18 race victories and 55 podium finishes. Most notably, DS became the first manufacturer to secure back-to-back drivers’ and teams’ double titles, setting the standard during the GEN2 era.
That dominance was mostly achieved in partnership with Techeetah, where drivers Jean-Éric Vergne and António Félix da Costa delivered immediate and sustained success. Together, they established DS as a benchmark operation in the all-electric championship. However, the team’s competitive edge has softened in recent years.
Since the introduction of the GEN3 regulations in 2023, DS has struggled to replicate its earlier success. This became evident in the current numbers — just three wins from 53 races in its current partnership with Penske. Vergne’s victory in Hyderabad in 2023 offered a reminder of past success, while Maximilian Günther added two further wins to the record last season despite his six retirements. Despite remaining a race-winning contender, the team has not returned to its former title-winning heights since.
Shifting Priorities at Stellantis
The decision to exit comes amid broader strategic changes within Stellantis Motorsport. The automotive group has been reassessing its motorsport involvement as it navigates the complexities of the global electric vehicle transition. Stellantis’s ex-CEO Carlos Tavares had previously warned that prolonging the shift to EVs could become a financial burden, highlighting the growing pressure on manufacturers to balance innovation with cost efficiency.
This evolving landscape has already prompted internal restructuring. Citroën has taken over the former Maserati MSG team. With this, they have signalled a shift in focus, while speculation continues to build around a potential Opel entry for the 2026/27 season by many in the paddock.
Uncertain Future for Penske
DS’s departure also raises questions about the future of its current partner, Penske. The team has made significant investments in infrastructure, including a new research and development facility in Witney, in 2024, complete with advanced simulation technology. This fuelled, for a short time, speculation that Penske could become a full manufacturer in the GEN4 era, or alternatively, align with a new incoming brand. Its long-term direction remains unclear, but its ambitions appear to extend beyond a customer role.
With DS stepping away, Formula E is furthering into a period of transition that has seen many changes already and will continue to do so before GEN4. The championship has already hinted at “an exciting championship announcement” in its latest post, reinforcing its continued growth ahead of the GEN4 regulations.
Despite the challenges of recent seasons, DS Automobiles leaves behind a lasting legacy. From its early partnership with Virgin Racing to its title-winning years with Techeetah and later collaboration with Penske, the brand has played a decisive role in shaping Formula E. Therefore, its exit marks the close of a defining chapter. A part that is characterised by innovation, success, and influence in the world’s leading electric racing series.