Why Is Citroen Racing Entering Formula E Now?
Citroen Racing’s move into the FIA Formula E Championship isn’t just a headline—it’s a strategic pivot that speaks volumes about the future of motorsport and electric mobility. Stellantis, Citroen’s parent company, is orchestrating a major shakeup by pulling Maserati MSG out of Formula E and slotting Citroen in its place. The timing? Spot on. With global EV sales projected to hit 17 million in 2024 according to the International Energy Agency, the electric racing scene is more relevant than ever.
Citroen’s entry is more than a badge swap. It’s a signal that the brand wants to be at the forefront of the electric revolution, not just on city streets but on the world’s most competitive circuits. The company describes its Formula E return as an “electric, innovative and passionate adventure,” which isn’t just PR fluff—it’s a reflection of how automakers now see racing as a testbed for tomorrow’s technology.
What Does This Mean for Citroen’s Rallying Heritage?
Citroen’s motorsport DNA is deeply rooted in rallying. Think back to the era of Sebastien Loeb and Daniel Elena—nine consecutive WRC driver’s titles and eight manufacturer’s crowns between 2004 and 2012. That’s dominance. The ZX Rally Raid’s four Dakar wins in the ‘90s? Legendary. Even outside rallying, Citroen’s three consecutive WTCC titles from 2014 to 2016 with the C-Elysée sedan show a knack for winning in diverse arenas.
But here’s the twist: Citroen’s future in rallying is suddenly uncertain. With Stellantis possibly shifting its rally focus to Lancia—especially as the new Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale gears up to replace the aging C3 Rally2—Citroen could be going all-in on single-seaters. For fans, it’s bittersweet. The brand that once ruled gravel and tarmac might soon be known for its prowess on electric street circuits instead.
How Did Maserati MSG Lose Its Formula E Spot?
Maserati MSG’s Formula E journey was brief but eventful. After taking over from Venturi Racing in 2023, the team notched up three wins—one per season—but struggled to find stable financial backing. Earlier this year, a planned takeover fell through, leaving the team in limbo. Add to that Maserati’s shifting EV strategy, with less focus on Folgore-branded electric vehicles and the cancellation of the electric MC20 supercar, and the writing was on the wall.
The result? Citroen steps in, inheriting not just the spot but also the challenge of making a mark in a fiercely competitive field. It’s a classic case of motorsport musical chairs, but with high stakes for brand identity and future tech development.
Will Citroen’s Formula E Car Be Competitive Right Away?
Citroen won’t be starting from scratch. The team will leverage technical expertise from DS Automobiles, another Stellantis brand with a proven Formula E track record. DS, run by Penske, has racked up multiple wins and championship titles over the past decade. This partnership means Citroen’s new single-seater will have solid bones—think of it as a family recipe with a fresh twist.
The Gen4 era of Formula E is just around the corner, promising faster, more efficient cars and even tighter competition. Whether DS will remain in the championship alongside Citroen is still up in the air, but the technical collaboration gives Citroen a fighting chance from day one. In racing, that’s half the battle.
How Does This Move Fit Into Stellantis’ Bigger Motorsport Picture?
Stellantis isn’t just shuffling brands for fun. The group is recalibrating its entire motorsport strategy to align with the global shift toward electrification. By putting Citroen in Formula E, Stellantis is betting on electric racing as both a marketing tool and a development lab for future road cars. There’s even talk of Opel, another Stellantis brand, applying for a Formula E license—especially as its GSE performance division gets a reboot.
This approach mirrors what other automakers are doing: using motorsport to accelerate EV innovation and connect with a new generation of fans. Formula E’s city-center races, sustainability focus, and tech-forward vibe make it the perfect stage.
What’s Next for Formula E and Citroen Racing?
The upcoming Formula E season will feature a grid of ten teams, including heavyweights like Nissan, Ford, Jaguar TCS, Porsche, and Andretti. Citroen Racing’s arrival adds a fresh French flavor to the mix, and expectations are high. The team’s electric single-seater will be unveiled on October 20, with teaser videos already generating buzz on social media.
For Citroen, this is more than a return to racing—it’s a chance to redefine itself for the electric age. Whether the brand can replicate its rallying glory on the Formula E circuit remains to be seen, but the ambition is clear.
The big takeaway? Motorsport success isn’t about clinging to tradition—it’s about making bold, strategic moves. Citroen’s leap into Formula E is proof that sometimes, stepping into the unknown is the surest way to stay ahead. Watch this space.