Jean-Eric Vergne is one of the most recognized drivers in motorsport, as his participation in major categories such as Formula 1 and FIA Formula E brought him onto the world scene. In fact, he serves as a brand-new two-time champion in the highest category of electric motorsport.
His time in F1 was fraught with ups and downs, then he went to Formula E and found a connection that went beyond competition, as he immediately sympathized with the category and its mission to preserve the planet and promote sustainability through electric mobility, to the point that he decided to take the next step in the Extreme-E.
The Frenchman serves as one of four former Formula 1 drivers to have a team in the electric Rally competition, alongside Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Jenson Button (the three F1 champions), gaining a new vision of the world of motorsport as an owner and not as the person behind the wheel.
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However, Vergne almost got back to racing when he thought of driving his own Odyssey 21 SUV, but ultimately chose to put Stephane Sarrazin in the seat of his team, knowing that the transition from Formula E to Extreme E would be totally different and things probably would have been complicated for his people.
Jean-Eric Vergne talks about the Extreme E
“The Extreme E goes beyond a race, highlighting the mangroves (in Senegal) that are important to the country’s ecosystem, especially fishermen. Mangroves are also a great way to sequester carbon. And to protect the coast from the storms”, Jean-Eric Vergne told NBC Sports.
In addition, the Frenchman rescued the great qualities of the Extreme E in terms of driving and sportsmanship, stating that a vehicle of this type is totally different from any other that has had the opportunity to drive, being a heavy, powerful and fun machine, according to what he perceived when he got on one in the south of France.
Written by | Ronald Ortega
