Formula E News: DS Automobiles is quitting Formula E

In a move that’s raising eyebrows across the electric racing world, premium French Stellantis brand DS Automobiles is exiting the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship at the end of Season 12 (2025-26). After more than a decade of pioneering electric motorsport excellence — including four world titles and 18 race wins — the brand is pivoting its sporting and technological strategy toward golf partnerships and high-performance sailing in SailGP.

The announcement, dropped just ahead of the Madrid E-Prix weekend, marks the end of an era for one of Formula E’s most decorated manufacturers. But as DS CEO Xavier Peugeot put it, this isn’t a retreat — it’s an evolution “to be as close as possible to its customers” while exploring fresh avenues for French excellence and innovation.

A Storied Legacy in the All-Electric Arena

DS first dipped its toes into Formula E in Season 2 (2015-16), partnering with Virgin Racing and scoring five wins with Sam Bird. The real fireworks came in 2018 when DS powered China’s Techeetah squad, delivering back-to-back drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles in 2018-19 and the shortened 2019-20 season with Jean-Éric Vergne and António Félix da Costa. Even after Techeetah’s financial woes forced a split, DS joined forces with Jay Penske’s squad in 2022, adding to a towering tally: 142 races, 18 victories, 55 podiums, 26 poles, and four world titles.

Despite the Gen3 era proving tougher (just three wins and eight podiums for DS Penske), the black-and-gold machines remained a force — and a symbol of how motorsport can accelerate real-world EV tech into road cars like the DS 4, DS 7, and DS 8.

Formula E itself paid handsome tribute: “DS Automobiles is one of the most decorated manufacturers in Formula E history, famously becoming the first brand to secure back-to-back double titles… We thank DS for their contribution to the championship.”

Why the Switch? Innovation in New Waters — and on the Fairways

Instead of investing in the faster, more powerful Gen4 cars debuting later in 2026, DS is redirecting its R&D firepower. The brand recently became a partner to the French Golf Federation and title sponsor of the FedEx Open de France. But the headline move is its January 2026 title partnership with SailGP Team France.

SailGP — the high-octane, foiling catamaran series — is being positioned as DS’s new “unique laboratory of innovation where technological performance and emotion meet.” Think aerodynamic efficiency, drag reduction, lightweight composites, and advanced software — all directly transferable to future DS road cars.

Xavier Peugeot explained: “After 11 years of pioneering commitment to Formula E… we are now taking a new step by orienting our partnership strategy towards SailGP, to take French excellence even further.”

And yes, the golf tie-in is real: DS is supplying official vehicles and activating around major events, blending luxury lifestyle with performance.

Stellantis Shuffle: Enter Opel

This isn’t a full Stellantis pullback from Formula E. In a seamless internal handoff, Opel will step in with a factory team for the Gen4 era starting Season 13 (2026-27), taking over the entry previously held by DS. It’s the latest chapter in the group’s rotating-brand strategy — Maserati already bowed out after 2024-25, replaced by Citroën.

DS Penske will race on this season with full commitment, aiming for strong results in the second half and a dignified send-off.

What It Means for the Future of Electric Motorsport — and DS

Formula E loses a true pioneer, but gains stability as Stellantis reallocates resources. For DS, the shift signals a broader brand play: less track-focused EV bragging rights, more lifestyle luxury tied to emotion, precision, and cutting-edge tech from the world’s fastest sailing boats and pristine golf courses.

The Green Hell of the Nürburgring may have its records, but DS is trading volts for volts — just in a very different arena. SailGP’s foiling catamarans hit 50+ knots; golf demands millimeter-perfect engineering. Both promise the same thrill DS thrived on in Formula E.

As the checkered flag falls on DS’s electric racing chapter, the brand is already hoisting sails and teeing off for its next act. French luxury, redefined — on water, on grass, and (of course) on the road.

Vive la nouvelle ère. Roll on SailGP and the fairways.