Opel sets course for Formula E: Tim Tramnitz in focus for new Gen4 team

After initial speculation about possible drivers in the second Porsche works team, the first drivers for the second new team are now also being traded. German youngster Tim Tramnitz and Theo Pourchaire are rumoured to be hot candidates for the two cockpits at Opel Motorsport. Both are said to have been at the first Gen4 test drives and driven the Stellantis development vehicle there.

Back in the spring of 2025, we reported on the possibility of Opel Motorsport entering Formula E at the start of the Gen4 era. As the colleagues at The Race now write, Opel has its eye on Tim Tramnitz. The former Formula 3 driver already tested a Formula E car for ABT Cupra at the rookie test in Berlin in 2023. In 2024, Tramnitz was again given the opportunity to drive for ABT Cupra during rookie training in Misano.

Tramnitz has already driven the Gen4 car

According to the report, Tramnitz completed his first Gen4 laps a few days ago at the second manufacturer test in Almeria (Spain) - under the eyes of the Opel team. According to the report, the German is highly regarded as a regular driver for one of the new team's cockpits. A few weeks ago, it was announced that Tramnitz is no longer a member of Red Bull Racing's junior squad and that a planned Formula 2 commitment for the 2026 season will not materialise.

The Formula E entry of Opel Motorsport, whose Head of Motorsport Jörg Schrott is now a regular guest at the E-Prix, has been linked to the split between Penske and Stellantis. Opel could succeed DS Automobiles as the Stellantis brand in Formula E. It is also known that Stellantis intends to field its own team for the first time in Formula E history from next season - until now, the Group has only ever acted as a drive supplier. For the German brand Opel, a German driver would certainly be more than just an option for marketing reasons.

In addition to Tramnitz, Stellantis junior Theo Pourchaire, who also drove the Stellantis test vehicle in Almeria, is also being touted as a potential regular driver for the Opel cockpit. However, his involvement in the WEC - where he will contest the full 2026 season for Peugeot - and his long-term future in endurance racing could play a decisive role.

Gen4 as an opportunity for a new generation of drivers

Stellantis' interest in a rookie like Tramnitz might surprise some. However, if you take a closer look, it quickly becomes clear that the Gen4 era will usher in a new era in the electric racing series and is therefore perfect for developing new talent on the way to becoming the next world champions.

For Formula E newcomers, this is a great opportunity to show the teams what they are made of. In addition, the salary costs of young drivers are significantly lower than those of their experienced colleagues, which means that freed-up capital can be invested elsewhere - even if driver salaries are not yet integrated into the Formula E cost cap.

The introduction of the Gen4 cars will reshuffle the cards in Formula E, giving rookies the opportunity to make a real mark. However, it remains to be seen whether this will happen and whether Tramnitz will actually enter Formula E with Opel Motorsport. We expect an official announcement in a few months at the earliest.