Formula E Driver Profile: Jean-Eric Vergne
Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne made history after becoming the first back-to-back champion in Formula E following his title winning campaigns in 2017/18 and 2018/19.
Now looking to claim his hattrick, Vergne partners Antonio Felix da Costa with Chinese team DS Techeetah for the 2019/20 season.
With a history in Formula E dating back to the first season in 2014, Jean-Eric Vergne – more affectionately known as JEV – is the only driver in the series to have achieved two back-to-back championship titles, both of which he claimed with his team DS Techeetah.
Starting his motorsport career earlier than most at the age of four, JEV entered his first karting race in 2000. Progressing to single-seater racing with Formula Renault in 2007, it wasn’t long until the Frenchman secured support from Red Bull and was admitted into its Junior Team.
With the team’s backing, he won the 2010 British F3 championship before making his Formula One test debut for Toro Rosso that same year. He finished second in the Formula Renault 3.5 series a year later, which earned him the opportunity to test the Red Bull car and a promotion to the Toro Rosso race team. Over the next three seasons he took part in 58 grand prix, scoring 51 points and a best finish of sixth.
After a controversial exit in Formula One in 2014, JEV entered into Formula E with Andretti for the series’ debut season. Despite a stunning debut with the American squad, the Frenchman was swift to move on to the Virgin Racing outfit for his second campaign. Although the move allowed him to add to his pole tally, victory still proved elusive for Vergne.
Another switch came for his third season in Formula E, siding with new team Techeetah. Despite the fresh start, it wasn’t until the final round of the season that he finally made his breakthrough with an emotional maiden win in Montreal. Remaining with the team for the 2017/18 season, JEV’s success continued as the four wins and six podiums he gained over the season turned into his first Formula E championship title at the New York City finale.
Intent on a second title win, Vergne embarked on his fifth season in Formula E over the course of 2018/19 with his new manufacturer-backed squad DS Techeetah. Despite a dominant powertrain, JEV battled his way through a rollercoaster season which saw the title fight come down to the wire in the New York City final.
With four title contenders in with a chance of scooping the title, it was JEV who emerged victorious from the battle for Brooklyn, making history as the series’ first double champion. Now, with two titles to defend, the Frenchman looks to close in on the hattrick during his sixth season in Formula E. With one of the most competitive line ups in motorsport history standing in his way, expect our reigning champion to battle to the bitter end.
